He has become the face of police brutality around the world. Dereck Chauvin, the police officer accused of the murder of George Floyd, appeared for the first time before a Minneapolis judge on Monday June 8.

The 44-year-old man appeared in an orange prisoner outfit for a procedural hearing organized by video from the high security prison in which he is detained. In a neutral voice, he answered questions from judge Jeannice Reding, notably agreeing to surrender his arms or to waive appearing in person.

He is charged with murder for suffocating two weeks ago George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, by kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes. The tragedy sparked protests around the world and calls for police reform in the United States.

One million dollars conditional bond 

During this first appearance, Hennepin County judge Reding fixed his bail at one million dollars with several conditions, or at 1.25 million unconditionally, if he wants to obtain parole before his trial . His lawyer Eric Nelson did not object to this sum, which he probably could not collect.

Prosecutor Matthew Frank stressed that the tragedy "obviously had a strong impact" on the population and that Derek Chauvin risked wanting to flee the prosecution and the reaction of the public. The parties have agreed to meet for a next hearing on June 29, which for the first time will deal with the merits of the case.

Three other officers, who had witnessed the scene, were arrested and are being prosecuted for complicity. 

With AFP 

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