US authorities must “guarantee justice” for murder of black people in America (Representation)
Geneva:
The UN chief of rights condemned the death of George Floyd in police custody on Thursday, demanding that US authorities take “serious steps” to end the killings of unarmed African Americans.
“This is the latest in a long line of murders of unarmed African Americans by American police and members of the public,” said Michelle Bachelet in a statement.
“I am dismayed to add the name of George Floyd to that of Breonna Taylor, Eric Garner, Michael Brown and many other unarmed African-Americans who have died over the years at the hands of the police,” a- she declared.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also spoke of “people like Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin who have been killed by armed members of the public”.
“The US authorities must take serious steps to end the killings and ensure that justice is done when they happen.”
His comments came after Floyd, a 46-year-old restaurant worker, died on Monday in the northern city of Minneapolis while in police custody, triggering outbursts of anger.
A video from a spectator showed a Floyd handcuffed out of breath while a police officer pressed his knee on the neck after having detained him for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 bill during a purchase.
After at least five minutes under the policeman’s knee, Floyd remains motionless. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“Rooted Racial Discrimination”
“Procedures must change, prevention systems must be put in place and, most importantly, police officers who use excessive force should be charged and sentenced for the crimes committed,” said Bachelet.
The former Chilean president welcomed the fact that the federal authorities have given priority to an investigation into the incident, but added: “In too many cases in the past, such investigations have led to assassinations deemed justified for questionable reasons, or only dealt with by administrative measures.
“The role played by ingrained and pervasive racial discrimination in these deaths must also be fully examined, duly recognized and addressed,” she said.
The UN chief of rights also addressed the protests that have erupted since Floyd’s death, calling for calm.
Protesters clashed with police, looted shops and burned shops, police reacting with tear gas and rubber bullets.
One person was also declared dead Thursday of a gunshot wound, police investigating whether he had been shot by a shop owner in the area affected by the most serious riots.
“Violence and the destruction of property will not solve the problem of police brutality and consecrated discrimination,” said Bachelet.
“I urge the demonstrators to peacefully express their demands for justice, and I urge the police to take great care not to further inflame the current situation by using more excessive force.”
(This story has not been edited by GalacticGaming staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
