George Floyd's killer demands new trial

The former white-skinned Minneapolis police officer was convicted last month of the murder of black man George Floyd has made a request for a new trial.

Wednesday, 5th May 2021

The former white-skinned Minneapolis police officer was convicted last month of the murder of black man George Floyd has made a request for a new trial. Derek Chauvin's team have filed court papers alleging misconduct by both prosecutors and jurors. Chauvin, who was captured on video giving on Mr Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, was found liable for murder and crime. His lawyer says his client was not given a fair trial. The rare decision on a police officer was regarded a breakthrough in the racial story of the US and was widely praised by Americans. Chauvin faces up to 40 years in jail. He will be sent for a sentence next month.

What is Chauvin's legal team arguing?

US media reported that the demand for a new trial was filed and is a typical move following a conviction. The New York Times cited officials as stating it was unlikely that the jury's decision would be overturned because of the data in the case. In court documents, Eric Nelson reveals that the method was not impartial because of pre-trial publicity. He writes that it was "so pervasive as well as prejudicial" before and during the trial that it amounted to a "fundamental defect in the proceedings". The motion also claims that the authority made errors and that there were prosecutorial wrongdoing and bystander bullying.

What is the controversy about the juror?

Fans of Chauvin have pointed to juror Brandon Mitchell, who was pictured last August at issue in Washington held on the 57th anniversary of the civil rights movement's famous March on Washington.