The American city of Minneapolis has reached a settlement of 27 million dollars (more than 22.5 million euros) with George Floyd’s family. The violent killing of Floyd in late May of last year sparked a storm of anger and protests around the world against racism and excessive police brutality.
The Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved the settlement in a lawsuit filed by the next of kin.
The Floyd family’s attorney said at a press conference that it is the largest civil rights settlement ever in the United States and that it “sends a strong message that black lives matter and that police brutality against people of color must end.”
Floyd was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 banknote. Several officers pushed the black man to the ground. He died when white cop Derek Chauvin pressed his knee to his neck for a long time. His death sparked a worldwide resurgence of Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality and racism.
Bridget Floyd, Floyd’s sister, said in a statement that she and her family are “happy to close this part of the tragic road to justice to my brother George.” “Even though our hearts are broken, we are relieved to know that even in his death, George Floyd is showing the world how to live.”
The 44-year-old Chauven’s trial began earlier this week. The verdict is expected at the end of April. The trial of three other agents, suspected of collusion, will begin on 23 August.
