Status: 04/20/2021 05:06 am
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In the trial of the death of the African American George Floyd, the jury is now advising a verdict. In front of the building, demonstrators are already making it clear what will happen if another police officer is acquitted.
By Torsten Teichmann,
ARD-Studio Washington
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At a demonstration in Minneapolis, US MP Maxin Waters summed up the mood of the street: She was demanding that Derek Chauvin be convicted, US Democrat Waters said at the weekend. And when asked, the 82-year-old says that if things turn out differently, the protest will continue.
We’ll be more confrontational and make sure they understand that we mean business.
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That arrives outside. Inside the courtroom, Judge Peter Cahill says MPs’ attempt to sway the jury could be the basis for a later appeal.
Lawyers hold closing arguments
But the time has not come yet. There is still no judgment. First of all, the defense and public prosecutor’s office held their closing arguments in the trial of the ex-police officer Chauvin.
The attempted arrest of the black American George Floyd in May 2020 was not a police operation but murder, says Steven Schleicher as a representative of the prosecution. Chauvin faces up to 40 years imprisonment if convicted.
Once again, the prosecution shows pictures and videos of Chauvin intervening in the arrest and later kneeling Floyd, who is lying on the ground, in the neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds – as the lawyers keep repeating.
He shouted to George Floyd, you can’t win. And George Floyd replied, ‘I’m not trying to win. I’m afraid.’
Defense attorney speaks of “appropriate” behavior
According to the prosecution, it was Chauvin who wanted to assert himself in the confrontation at any cost.
The defendant, the defendant tried to win. He didn’t want to be told what to do. He didn’t want his authority to be challenged. He was trying to win. And George Floyd paid with his life.
Chauvin’s defense attorney, Eric Nelson, questioned the charges, as well as the testimony of many eyewitnesses and expert reports. He called the behavior of his mandate appropriate.
All evidence shows that Derek Chauvin followed his education. He was following the guidelines of the Minneapolis Police Department. That’s how he was trained.
Chauvin demands acquittal
Chauvin had no intention of killing George Floyd, said defense attorney Nelson. He demands acquittal. George Floyd’s dependence on opioids and existing heart problems were decisive factors for death during the police operation.
Now 12 jurors have to decide. You will advise and will not be able to return home for the time being. Only when they have passed a judgment does the court meet again. This can take days, but maybe weeks.
George Floyd – jurors advising ex-police officer Chauvin on trial
Torsten Teichmann, ARD Washington, April 20, 2021 6:54 am
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