A few dozen protesters knelt in silence and held signs in front of the U.S. embassy in Paris on Monday in solidarity with George Floyd, an African-American whose death in police custody last week has sparked unrest in the United States.
Most dressed in black and wearing face masks due to the coronavirus crisis, the demonstrators held signs saying: “Racism is choking us,” “Justice for Floyd” and “I can’t breathe” - the last words Floyd gasped as a white officer knelt on his neck.
“George Floyd was a victim of a racist crime, a racist murder in the United States by a policeman,” said Dominique Sopo, head of French anti-racism group SOS Racisme which helped organise the protest. In a statement, organisers urged widespread solidarity among anti-racist groups in France to denounce a crime that “unfortunately” was commonplace in the United States.
“We also call for the utmost firmness in France, including at the state level, where acts of racism in the police have been recently reported,” the statement said. After less than an hour, the protesters were peacefully escorted away from the embassy perimeter by police in riot gear.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rev. Al: Don't use George Floyd for anything other than justice for George FloydThe Rev. Al Sharpton discusses the violence and looting overshadowing many peaceful protests across the country for George Floyd, and he calls for peaceful protesting over violence.
Read more »
Beyoncé Address George Floyd Killing By Police: ‘George Is All Of Our Family, And Humanity'.Beyonce added her voice to those calling for justice for the police killing of George Floyd (via BETNews)
Read more »
George Floyd protests in Minneapolis: 'Don’t go out of your homes,' Gov. warns; highways closedTensions flare for the fourth night as protestors respond to George Floyd's death. Follow along as we track what's happening across the US.
Read more »
Netflix Supports Black Lives Matter Amid George Floyd ProtestsNetflix shared on its social accounts: 'We have a duty to our Black members, employees, creators and talent to speak up.'
Read more »
Dan + Shay Denounce Racism After George Floyd's Death'We must educate our children, and instill values of love and equality. We are all born innocent, and racism is something that is learned. Let's work together, NOW, to make a change,' country duo Dan + Shay wrote
Read more »