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Minneapolis, Minnesota
Protests outside the courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Almost ten months after the violent death of the African American George Floyd in a brutal police operation, the legal processing of the case begins: a process that is broadcast live across the country - and for which the Floyds family has been waiting for a long time.
Bridgett Floyd, sister of George Floyd
"My family and I are glad that the wait is finally over and the day has come."
The pictures of the police operation on May 25, 2020 went around the world: For eight minutes and 15 seconds, the white policeman Derek Chauvin knelt on the neck of George Floyd - until he died.
His death sparked riots across the country, Floyd's phrase "I can't breathe" - I can't breathe - became a protest slogan for the Black Lives Matter movement against police violence and racism.
The criminal process is accordingly politically charged - and takes place under massive security precautions: The courthouse in Minneapolis was secured with fences, concrete barriers and barbed wire.
In addition to the police, the National Guard is also on duty.
Among other things, the focus is on the difficult selection of the jury.
In the US media, the question of a fair selection of the twelve-member jury is discussed - the most important prerequisite for a fair trial:
Jack Rice, Attorney
“That's the problem. How do you find people who are not biased in this case? If you look at the dimensions of what happened after May 25th: Buildings were set on fire, thousands of demonstrators were arrested, people died. The people here have seen it all. And they are supposed to be the jury now. "
The accused Derek Chauvin is charged, among other things, with "second degree murder".
This corresponds roughly to manslaughter under German law, albeit without intent to kill, and can be punished with up to 40 years in prison.
The 44-year-old chauvin is currently on bail on the loose
Angela Harrelson, George Floyd's Aunt
“I'm worried we won't get justice. And I'm worried about what will happen if that happens. It wouldn't go over well with a lot of people. With us, the family, neither. But we cannot react with anger and destruction. "
Judge Peter Cahill has already had to postpone the selection of the jury.
There are also other formalities to be clarified.
The actual processing of what happened in court should begin at the end of March.
But it is already clear that the demonstrators in front of the courthouse have little confidence in the process.
