The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday condemned the string of police killings of unarmed African Americans and called for U.S. officers who use excessive force to be charged and convicted for their crimes.
Michelle Bachelet released the statement following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died Monday in the custody of Minneapolis police shortly after an officer was recorded kneeling on his neck.
“This is the latest in a long line of killings of unarmed African Americans by US police officers and members of the public,” Bachelet said.
“I am dismayed to have to add George Floyd’s name 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 — as well as people such as Ahmaud Arbery and Trayvon Martin who were killed by armed members of the public.”
Floyd is heard telling the officer that he is unable to breathe and bystanders beg police to let him go.
