A US court has sentenced Derek Chauvin, the killer of George Floyd, to 22.5 years in prison.
Derek Chauvin (AFP) in court during the hearing
Derek Chauvin, a former policeman convicted of killing black American George Floyd, has been sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. During the hearing, the judge said that Derek Chauvin’s sentence was based on the abuse of a position of trust and authority, and on the particular cruelty shown to Floyd. During his arrest in Minneapolis in May 2020 in connection with a counterfeit currency case, Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes, leading to his death. After this, there were demonstrations around the world including America regarding apartheid and police brutality.
Derek Chauvin, 45, was found guilty last month of murder and other crimes. During the hearing, Chauvin’s lawyer called the murder a mistake. Chauvin was also barred from possessing a weapon for life. He and three other officers were found guilty of violating George Floyd’s civil authorities. Floyd’s family and his supporters have welcomed the sentence. Floyd’s sister Bridget Floyd said that this sentence shows that cases of police brutality are finally being taken seriously. But there is still a long way to go.
What was said during the hearing?
During the hearing on the George Floyd case, his brother Terence Floyd demanded the maximum punishment for this crime, which is 40 years. Terence said, ‘Why, what were you thinking? What was going through your mind when you (Chowvin) put your knee on my brother’s neck?’ Floyd’s seven-year-old daughter Gianna also attended the hearing via video recording. She said that she misses her father.
The judge said the case was painful for the community and the country, but most painful for Floyd’s family. Judge Peter Cahill said, “This sentence is not based on feelings and sympathy, but at the same time I want to acknowledge the deep and tremendous pain that all families are feeling, especially the Floyd family.”
Chauvin did not apologize for his crime
On the other hand, Chauvin told the court that he expresses his condolences to the Floyd family. She said that there will be some more information in the future and expressed hope that things will give peace of mind. However, the convict did not apologize for his mistake. Chauvin’s mother said during the hearing that he was a good person. She said that I have always believed in the innocence of my son and I will never waver from it.
Last year there were protests against apartheid
It is noteworthy that on 25 May 2020, 45-year-old Derek Chauvin held Floyd on the ground for more than nine minutes in a street in Minneapolis, USA, after Floyd pleaded ‘I can’t breathe’. ignored. After the video of this incident surfaced, there were large-scale protests in many parts of America under the banner of ‘Black Lives Matter’. Violence also took place in some of the protests. After this, such demonstrations were organized in many countries of the world regarding the rights of black citizens.
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