Derek Chauvin trial: the delicate jury selection phase has begun
George Floyd's sister Bridgett Floyd on day one of Derek Chauvin's trial on March 8, 2021 in Minneapolis, United States.
AFP - CHANDAN KHANNA
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
In the United States, the trial of Derek Chauvin began in earnest on March 9 with the crucial jury selection phase.
For three weeks, a group of potential jurors will be thoroughly questioned.
The court seeks to select jurors whose opinion is not definitively forged on the case.
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With our special correspondent in Minneapolis,
Éric de Salve
On March 9, nine potential jurors were sifted through questions from lawyers.
Only three were selected to decide the fate of Derek Chauvin after convincing the court of their impartiality.
This first phase is already a puzzle for the court: how to find twelve impartial jurors to judge
a case whose facts are known to all and have already been around the world?
The first selected is a pharmacist.
During his hearing, this white man said he was in favor of a reform of the police and claims to have never seen the video of the agony of George Floyd.
The second is a woman of color.
Her uncle is a police officer.
She says she is very motivated, promises to be impartial and ensures that she has seen the video only once.
The third has a policeman in Minneapolis among his friends.
He admits already having a negative image of Derek Chavin but promises to study with neutrality the elements that will be presented to him during the trial.
After hearing, six potential jurors were challenged, including a Hispanic nursery worker who replied that Derek Chauvin's act seemed unfair to her.
For their safety, all jurors remain anonymous.
During their interrogation, Derek Chauvin, gray suit and blue shirt, seemed focused, taking notes in silence.
The twelve selected jurors will return from March 29 to hear and judge him.
► To read also: Trial of Derek Chauvin in the United States: the fear of an acquittal
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