U.S. Embassy responds to Liberians’ concern

The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia says it greatly appreciates and shares the deep concerns and sorrow of Liberians, from the most senior levels of government to ordinary citizens in recent days regarding the tragic killing of an African-American George Floyd, in handcuff, at the hands of police in Minneapolis, America.

A bystander video showed Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, pressing his knee on Floyd’s neck, for nearly nine minutes, ignoring George’s “I can’t breathe” cries until the victim eventually stopped moving, as three other fellow police officers stood by and watched.

The incident which happened on May 25, 2020, immediately sparked nationwide protests across the United States, some violent with protestors calling for justice and end to racial discrimination, particularly against black people.

The protests that continue even up to now, forced U.S. authorities to arrest and charged Officer Derek Chauvin for 2nd degree murder and manslaughter, and his three colleagues for aiding and abetting the murder.

The action briefly took the world’s attention away from the coronavirus pandemic, and drew in sharp focus, what has been described as systemic inequality and discrimination in the world’s greatest democracy. The Charge` d’Affaires at the American Embassy in Monrovia in a statement published 05 June said, “We grieve for his family and community, which includes members of the Liberian diaspora and U.S. Embassy employees from Minnesota.”

Ms. Alyson Grunder explained that the peaceful protests in which thousands of Americans have taken part across the United States demonstrate determination to put in place meaningful reforms, seek accountability, including through criminal investigations at the federal and state levels and in the legal system, and address the racial discrimination that is an all-too-present reality for many Americans.

She said these protests are sincere and legitimate exercises of the Constitutional guarantees of the rights to free expression and assembly, adding. “At this time, as Americans begin the hard conversations about the challenges our society faces at home, we take heart from the resilience and courage of Liberians who are working to ensure peace and justice in their own country.”

“As we strive to live up to our core values and work closely with our partners and friends to create a better world for all, Dr. King’s words ring true: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere….Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Statement

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