Death of George Floyd: ex-police officer Derek Chauvin in Minnesota justice this Monday

A photo of George Floyd dead following his arrest by police officer Derek Chauvin by pressing his knee on the victim's neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds REUTERS / Phil Noble

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Derek Chauvin is scheduled to appear in Minnesota court on Monday. This former police officer is accused of killing George Floyd by immobilizing him with his knee on the neck. The man whose face has since toured the world has been charged with intentional homicide without premeditation. If she is eagerly awaited, the outcome of her trial is not certain.

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Since the death of George Floyd during an arrest led by Derek Chauvin, the police officer has been dismissed and then arrested for manslaughter. He risked 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $ 40,000. Today, Derek Chauvin is being prosecuted for “intentional homicide without premeditation”. The prison sentence incurred is therefore 40 years.

According to American media reports, the police officer has already been involved in numerous cases of violence and has been the subject of 18 complaints. Today he has become the face of racism in the American police.

The police union can act in such a way that the judgment on appeal can be quashed ...

Cécile Coquet, professor of American civilization at the University of Versailles St Quentin.

Achim Lippold

But the Minnesota Attorney General warned that this trial would not be easy. Difficult in particular to know if Derek Chauvin will be finally condemned for manslaughter or willful without premeditation. It will take more than the infamous video today to prove the charges.

On the other hand, the defense could argue the pre-existing health problems of George Floyd. Three other officers are prosecuted for complicity. They appeared in Minnesota court Thursday, appointing team leader and trainer Derek Chauvin as solely responsible for the tragedy.

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  • United States
  • Racism
  • Justice

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