Federal justice of the United States sentenced Derek Chauvin, a white policeman, to 21 years imprisonment for asphyxiating George Floyd, an African-American. Although the former agent, 46 years old, had been sentenced to death by the Minnesota state court for his murderous actions, he appealed that sentence.
A plea agreement results in the federal sentence for violating civil rights of black forties. The sentence can be served simultaneously with the other sentence, according to Judge Paul Magnuson from the Saint-Paul court. This gives credit to him for the seven months he has already been in detention.
"I don’t know what you did, but it is wrong to put your knees on the neck of someone until they die." He was told by the magistrate that he must be punished for doing this.
Derek Chauvin briefly intervened to wish George Floyd's children "success in life", but he did not apologize or express any regret.
Carolyn Pawlenty, his mother, assured him that he wasn't a racist. Then, he added, "all lives matter regardless of their skin colour", taking over the slogan "Black Lives Matter" ("the lives quarters count). Philonise Floyd, the brother of the deceased, called the bar and demanded the maximum sentence against Derek Chauvin. He claimed that he hadn't slept since the tragedy.
This Minneapolis cop was seen kneeling on the neck of an African-American for almost ten minutes. He did not respond to panicked passersby or the grunts of George Floyd. The video was posted online and sparked massive protests across America against police brutality and racism.
His lawyer, who claimed George Floyd had died from an overdose and other health issues, appeared at a Minnesota state court trial in spring 2021. He also assured that Derek Chauvin had used force in a justified manner. The jury had not been convinced and the former officer of police was found guilty and sentenced to twenty two and a quarter years imprisonment. He appealed against the verdict.
Federal justice opened proceedings against him and his three former co-accused for violating George Floyd's constitutional rights, particularly the right to not be subjected to an unreasonable use or force by police officers. Although these "double" lawsuits can be filed in the United States, they are rare and reflect the significance of this case. It has reignited a fierce debate about America's racist past.
He initially pleaded not guilty in the federal case. However, he changed strategy in December 2021 and admitted some responsibility. He pleaded guilty to using force knowing it was illegal and without legal justification. He also admitted to wrongdoing in 2017 violence against a black 14-year-old boy. The victim was kept under his knees for about a quarter hour.
John Pope, a young man, said that he hoped Chauvin would use the time to reflect on what he could have done differently during Thursday's hearing. Derek Chauvin was allowed to admit to wrongdoing in exchange for being sent to a federal prison instead of the maximum security prison. He is currently in solitary confinement in order not be disturbed by other inmates. .
While the three other agents were not involved in George Floyd's ordeal, they were found guilty by federal justice in February. However, their sentences have yet to be pronounced. They were also charged by the state justice with complicity for murder. Thomas Lane, one of the defendants, pleaded guilty to complicity in murder and will be sentenced September 21. Alexander Kueng and Tou Thao are due to start their trials on October 24.
