In 11 minutes, he didn't say much, just answering the judge's questions. A bail of at least a million dollars was fixed Monday at the first appearance in justice of the American police officer Derek Chauvin, accused of the murder of George Floyd which shakes America and the whole world.
The 44-year-old former detainee in a high-security prison appeared midday in an orange prisoner outfit on a screen in a courtroom in a court in Minneapolis, northern United States. In a neutral voice, he answered questions from Judge Jeannice Reding, notably agreeing to surrender his arms or to give up appearing in person. He is charged with second degree murder for two weeks ago asphyxiating George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American, by kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. In total, Chauvin faces up to 40 years in prison.
Farewell from Houston
The tragedy, whose images captured by a passerby went viral, sparked protests around the world and calls for police reform in the United States. At the short hearing, Hennepin County Justice Reding fixed his bail at one million dollars with several conditions, or 1.25 million unconditionally, if he wants to be released on parole before his trial . His lawyer Eric Nelson did not object to this sum, which he probably could not collect.
Prosecutor Matthew Frank pointed out that the tragedy had "obviously had a strong impact" on the population and that Derek Chauvin risked wanting to flee the proceedings 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.
Hundreds of people at George Floyd's public viewing in Houston, Texas - one of the final services for Floyd before he comes to rest at Houston Memorial Gardens. @ 9NewsAUS @TheTodayShow pic.twitter.com/NjvTS5vceQ
- Alexis Daish (@LexiDaish) June 8, 2020On Monday, several thousand people said goodbye to George Floyd in Houston, where he was from. Floyd will be buried Tuesday after a private ceremony which is to take place from 11 a.m. (6 p.m. Paris time).
World
"It is the strongest mobilization against racial injustices since the assassination of Martin Luther King"
World
8 minutes, 46 seconds of silence and anger at the tribute ceremony
- Minneapolis
- United States
- Police violence
- Racism
- George Floyd