It is the provisional end point in one of the most sensational trials in recent US history: Today the sentence against ex-police officer Derek Chauvin (45) is announced. He was found guilty of being responsible for the death of the African American George Floyd († 46).
The defense has asked for a suspended sentence for Chauvin, while the prosecution has asked for 30 years in prison. The whole country is looking to the decision – Floyd’s fate, according to many, is representative of systematic discrimination and brutality against blacks.
Death because of a policeman’s knee in the neck
The 46-year-old Floyd was killed on May 25th last year in a brutal police operation in Minneapolis. Officials arrested Floyd for allegedly paying for a pack of cigarettes with a fake $ 20 bill.
Videos of passers-by documented how police officers pushed the unarmed man to the ground. Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for a good nine minutes, while Floyd kept pleading to let him breathe. Floyd passed out and died a little later.
One year later: How the death of George Floyd changed the United States(00:44)
Ex-cop found guilty
The video clips of the scene spread rapidly at the time. Floyd’s death ravaged the United States, sparking a wave of demonstrations against racism and police violence in the middle of the corona pandemic, which developed into the largest protest movement in decades. The trial of Chauvin was broadcast live on many television channels. The expectations of the process were immense.
In April, the jury found Chauvin guilty of all charges. The most serious charge was second degree murder without intent. Chauvin was also charged with third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. Chauvin had pleaded not guilty.
Chauvin acted “particularly cruelly”
Despite the three-part guilty verdict, according to experts, according to current law in the state of Minnesota, the sentence for chauvin is only imposed for the most serious charge. Second degree murder in Minnesota has up to 40 years in prison. Because Chauvin had no criminal record, according to the guidelines in the state, he would not face the maximum sentence, but rather a sentence of about 12.5 years.
Judge Peter Cahill, however, has recognized the particular gravity of the crime: Chauvin abused his position as a police officer, did not provide first aid and treated Floyd with “particular cruelty” in the presence of children, said Cahill. A minor penalty is therefore considered unlikely.
Defense wants freedom on probation
The public prosecutor’s office had justified its request for 30 years in prison with the particular gravity of the crime. Chauvin’s attorney, Eric Nelson, argued that his client had no criminal record, had no previous legal problems and had no intention of killing Floyd. “He thought he was doing his job.”
Nelson also justified the demand for a suspended sentence by saying that police officers have a shorter life expectancy and that chauvin in prison could be the target of attacks. In addition, Chauvin should receive a prison sentence, which would have already been served with the remand. In the USA, people are now paying close attention to how high the penalty for the white ex-police officer is.
Chauvin can appeal
This does not end the case. Chauvin can appeal. Independent of the Minnesota trial, he has also been charged in federal court. The US Department of Justice said the accused was accused of deliberately depriving Floyd of his constitutional rights.
And: In addition to Chauvin, three other ex-police officers involved in the operation against Floyd were charged. You will be on trial in Minneapolis beginning March next year. They are charged with aid. They too could face several years’ imprisonment. (SDA)