European Union Calls George Floyd’s Death ‘Abuse of Power’

Joseph Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, strongly condemned the killing of George Floyd, a Black American citizen from Minneapolis, as a result of police violence.

Borrell said Tuesday in Brussels: “This is an abuse of power that must be exposed and confronted.” He has also demanded clarification regarding the “excessive use of violence” by security forces.

Borrell added: “Here in Europe, we are shocked and deeply disgusted by George Floyd’s death, just like the American people.”

According to the EU’s foreign policy chief, everyone must be vigilant and ensure that those responsible for maintaining order do not use their power and authority in the way that was exercised against Floyd.

While supporting the right to peaceful protest and demonstrations and condemning “any form of violence and racism,” he described the need of the moment as reducing tensions in American society, adding: “We have confidence in the strength and capacity of American society to reunite as a nation and to overcome the important problems and questions it faces.”

A week after George Floyd, an African American citizen, died as a result of police violence, the medical examiner announced autopsy results and declared the 46-year-old man’s death a homicide.

During the autopsy, doctors concluded that Floyd “had no underlying medical conditions that contributed to his death, and it was the pressure from the police officer’s knee that caused his death.”

Maas: Protests Understandable and Beyond Justified

Haiko Maas, Germany’s foreign minister, called peaceful protests against racism in America “understandable and more than justified.” He also expressed hope that “peaceful protests will not turn violent,” but he further expressed hope that “these demonstrations can bring about change in the United States.”

Maas, speaking Tuesday, June 2, at a press conference in Berlin, emphasized that George Floyd died in a “horrific and shocking” manner. He clarified that peaceful protests must be allowed, but in a non-violent manner.

Haiko Maas also condemned attacks on journalists during the protests. During American demonstrations, journalists have repeatedly been attacked by police forces, including a Deutsche Welle film crew.

A Deutsche Welle correspondent in Minneapolis was hit with plastic bullets from police while recording a report on camera, and members of the film crew were also threatened with arrest.

Haiko Maas said Germany’s Foreign Office will contact American officials and investigate the cause of this incident. The German foreign minister said: “It is clear to us that journalists must be able to perform their duty of independent reporting without danger, and democratic countries with the rule of law must uphold freedom of the media to the highest standards.”

Maas continued: “Any acts of violence in this regard must not only be criticized and protested, but above all must have consequences and be explained [for those who use violence].”

Following the killing of a 46-year-old Black citizen by police officers a week earlier, protests against police violence and racism have been taking place across America. These protests have repeatedly turned violent.