European Union calls George Floyd's killing an 'abuse of power'

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell strongly condemned the killing of George Floyd, a black citizen from Minneapolis, USA, as a result of police violence.

"This is an abuse of power that must be exposed and confronted," Borrell said in Brussels on Tuesday. He also called for an explanation, citing the "excessive use of violence" by security forces.

Borrell added: "Here in Europe, we, just like the American people, are shocked and deeply disgusted by the murder of George Floyd."

According to the European Union's foreign policy chief, care must be taken everywhere to ensure that those who are supposed to maintain order do not abuse their power and authority as was done in the case of Floyd.

While supporting the right to peaceful demonstrations and protests and condemning "any form of violence and racism," he stated the urgent need to reduce the scope of tension in American society, adding: "We are confident in the ability and capacity of American society to regain its cohesion as a nation and to be able to deal with the important problems and questions it is facing."

A week after George Floyd, a black American citizen, lost his life due to police brutality, the medical examiner announced the results of an autopsy and ruled the 46-year-old man's death a homicide.

Doctors concluded during the autopsy that Floyd "did not have any specific medical conditions that contributed to his death and that it was the pressure of the police officer's knees that caused his death."

Maas: Protests understandable and beyond legitimate

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the peaceful protests against racism in the United States “understandable and more than legitimate.” He also expressed hope that “the peaceful protests will not turn violent,” but more than that, he expressed hope that “the demonstrations can change something in the United States.”

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Tuesday, June 2, Maas stressed that George Floyd had lost his life in a “horrific and shocking” way. He stressed that protests should be possible, but peaceful.

Heiko Maas also condemned attacks on journalists during the protests. During the US protests, journalists have been repeatedly attacked by police, including a DW film crew.

A DW reporter in Minneapolis was attacked with rubber bullets by police while filming on camera, and members of the film crew were also threatened with arrest.

Heiko Maas said the German Foreign Ministry would contact US authorities to inquire about the incident. "It is clear to us that journalists must be able to carry out their independent reporting duties without risk and that democratic countries with the rule of law must protect media freedom to the highest standard," the German foreign minister said.

Maas continued: "Any acts of violence in this regard should not only be criticized and protested, but above all, they should have consequences [for the user of violence] and be explained."

Protests against police brutality and racism have been taking place across the United States for a week following the killing of a 46-year-old black man by police officers. These protests have consistently turned violent.