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Poster for George Floyd, who died as a result of police violence
Photo: CRAIG LASSIG / EPA
For two and a half weeks, defense attorneys, prosecutors and the court interviewed dozens of candidates on the George Floyd case.
Now the jury selection in the trial of the African American's killing has ended.
A total of twelve people and three substitute candidates are said to be in the main proceedings from Monday on the guilt or innocence of the white ex-police officer Derek Chauvin, who is believed to be responsible for Floyd's death.
Chauvin is accused of, among other things, second-degree murder, which is up to 40 years in prison.
Floyd was killed in a brutal arrest in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020.
Videos had documented, among other things, how police officers pushed Floyd to the ground.
Chauvin pressed his knee to Floyd's neck for a good eight minutes while Floyd pleaded to let him breathe.
According to the autopsy, Floyd passed out and died.
The opening statements in the process are now scheduled for next Monday, March 29th.
Chauvin pleaded not guilty.
No "all white jury"
The jury has a prominent role in US law.
In a case as well-known as the Floyd killing, it was difficult to find unbiased jurors.
Particular attention was paid to ensuring a balanced representation of the ethnic groups when selecting the jury.
This is to prevent a so-called “all white jury” from possibly unjustifiably exonerating the white chauvin.
According to Reuters news agency, the jury now consists of six white women, two white men, three black men and one woman, as well as two other women from other ethnic groups.
The defense and the public prosecutor's office were allowed to reject a certain number of proposed jurors.
Ultimately, 15 jury members were selected, three of which are considered substitute candidates.
fek / dpa / Reuters / AP
