Nichols died in early January as a result of the brutal behavior of officers at a traffic control. In addition to the bereaved, Vice President Kamala Harris and relatives of other victims of police brutality attended the memorial service at a church. The funeral service was broadcast live on television. Harris said the violence was perpetrated by people who should have been protecting Nichols.
The black man was brutally beaten on January 7 during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee. The 29-year-old died of his injuries three days later in hospital. The case sparked protests in several cities and rekindled the debate about police brutality.
Five black police officers involved in the operation have been fired. Charges were filed against her. The five men are charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault. Other officials have been fired. Two paramedics and an ambulance driver also lost their jobs for not adequately caring for Nichols.
Harris used the memorial service to call for legislation to better protect against police brutality. It provides for a national registration of police misconduct, so that police officers can no longer get rid of it so easily. It also aims to prohibit law enforcement agencies from creating ethnic and religious profiles. So far, the law has failed in the Senate.
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said the fighting will not stop until those responsible are held accountable and the system is changed. “We understand the need to take action against crime. But you don’t fight crime by becoming a criminal yourself.” Attorney Benjamin Crump said that while this won’t bring the Nichols family back, it could further advance the fight for equality.
In the US, the police have long been criticized for their extremely ruthless approach, especially when it comes to traffic control. Often the victims are black. In the past, brutal operations have repeatedly led to violent protests. The death of African-American George Floyd in May 2020 sparked nationwide demonstrations and sometimes violent riots. At that point, a white police officer pressed his knee to Floyd’s neck until he died. The perpetrator has since been sentenced to life imprisonment. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
