Donald Trump signs executive order to reform police

Text by: RFI Follow

Three weeks after the death of Georges Floyd, this African-American asphyxiated by a white police officer in Minneapolis, the American president tries to respond to the movement of anger which shakes the country. But the measures announced by Donald Trump are however below the expectations of the protesters who have been pounding the pavement for three weeks.

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From our correspondent in Washington, Anne Corpet

The decree is not binding since the police force in most cases depends on the local authorities. These are in fact recommendations to be applied in order to continue receiving federal funds.

Among these guidelines is a ban on the controversial practice of putting pressure on the necks of suspects except, said Donald Trump, if the life of the police officer is threatened. The text also provides for the creation of a database to identify police officers who have used excessive force. Finally, the decree establishes training courses to enable the police to deal more calmly with drug addiction or mental health problems.

But Donald Trump in his speech insisted that the majority of police officers behaved in an irreproachable manner. He once again vigorously defended his doctrine of law and order. And he did not say a word about the lifting of the relative immunity currently enjoyed by the police. This is one of the main demands of the demonstrators who have been marching in the country for almost three weeks.

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• United States
• Donald trump
• Racism

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