Justice for the family of George Floyd - Ógra Shinn Féin

Ógra Shinn Féin wishes to send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of George Floyd, our sympathies with the people of Minneapolis, and our solidarity with African-American comrades throughout the US. 

The video footage of the detention and killing of George Floyd is intolerable and not characteristic of a fair society, free from racially motivated mistrust and discrimination. For many people it clearly demonstrates the unbridled nature of some aspects of policing in America, particularly in relation to the treatment of African-Americans. Brutality and injustice in policing has been problematic globally, not least in Ireland. 

Ógra Shinn Féin supports the call from many people across the United States, including that of the Mayor of Minneapolis, for justice for the family of George Floyd. Those responsible must be held to legal account. The Police Officers in this case should face the legal consequences of unjustifiably taking the life of another human being. Nobody should be above the law in a self-proclaimed law abiding country. Unfortunately a conviction will never bring George Floyd home to his family, but it would be a step on the road towards justice for African-Americans.

Sadly the words of Malcolm X still ring true today when he said “We can never get civil rights in America until our human rights are first restored. We will never be recognised as citizens there until we are first recognised as humans.”

le Ciarán Ó Meachair, Oifigeach Idirnasiúnta