More than 22 years imprisonment for Chauvin: “That should be the norm”

Now the sentence has been set: Ex-police officer Chauvin has to be jailed for more than 22 years for killing George Floyd. The victim’s family lawyer spoke of a possible turning point.

It is the longest prison sentence a police officer has been sentenced to in the history of the US state of Minnesota, said Benjamin Crump in front of the courthouse in Minneapolis. Crump is an attorney for George Floyd’s family.

Shortly after the sentence was pronounced against ex-cop Derek Chauvin, Crump spoke of a possible turning point. “But the penalty shouldn’t be the exception when a black American is killed by police violence. That should be the norm,” said the lawyer.

Prosecutors asked for 30 years in prison

The court had convicted the former police officer Chauvin at the end of April for the violent death of George Floyd – among other things for second-degree murder, which corresponds roughly to manslaughter in a particularly serious case.

However, the sentence was only set yesterday. The crucial session in the Minneapolis District Court began again with pleadings: The prosecution demanded 30 years imprisonment. Chauvin’s defense attorney campaigned for a suspended sentence.

But there were also relatives in the hall who addressed Judge Peter Cahill. Chauvin’s mother, Caroline Pawlenty, asked for a mild verdict. “I don’t think a long prison sentence does Derek justice. If you convict my son, you will convict me too,” she said. “Then when he’s released, his father and I will probably no longer be alive.”

“Special Cruelty”

George Floyd’s family recorded a video of his daughter Gianna. Floyd’s brother Philonise spoke. “My niece Gianna must be able to finish with this. I beg you, please consider it appropriate to sentence Policeman Chauvin to the maximum sentence.” The sentence for him and his family is life. “We can never get George back.”

Judge Peter Cahill said sentences are not based on emotion or sympathy. But he knows about the deep, enormous pain that all families feel, but especially the Floyd family.

Then he addresses the convicted Chauvin: “The court sentenced them to 270 months in prison for second degree murder. In addition to the 150 months imprisonment, they added 10 years for abusing their position and showing particular cruelty towards George Floyd. ”

Biden thinks the judgment is appropriate

In an initial reaction, US President Joe Biden spoke of an appropriate judgment in the White House. “I am not aware of all the circumstances that have been taken into account. But it seems appropriate to me under the guidelines,” he said.

The reactions in Minneapolis were restrained. Floyd family attorney, Crump said someone has been seen to be held accountable to some extent. “What is true justice? It would be true justice if George Floyd were still here with his family.”