Members of the Cardiff Amnesty International group were horrified by the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on the 25^th May.

George Floyd died following his arrest in which he was held down by three police officers, including one kneeling directly on his neck. George called out, “I can’t breathe”, several times but in spite of this the police officer refused to move. An autopsy has now confirmed that this action ultimately led to his death.

The killing was a significant breach of human rights and highlights the wider issue of racism and police brutality in the USA which saw over 1,000 people killed by police in 2019. Amnesty International is urging the federal government and US cities and states to act swiftly and meaningfully to address the root cause of these protests and take immediate measures to stop unlawful killings of black people and others by police.

This injustice must be addressed and everyone’s fundamental rights protected. We at Cardiff Amnesty strongly condemn any form of racism and stand in solidarity with those around the world campaigning peacefully for justice for George Floyd.

In the wake of the killing Cardiff Amnesty is also calling upon the UK government to suspend exports of tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields to the US. You can take action by signing a petition here.

You can take action for George Floyd by calling for justice here and by using the #JusticeforFloyd

But let’s not forget that systemic racism is embedded in our own society. The disproportionate harm suffered by BAME communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted profound inequalities, marginalisation and injustice here in the UK. If you believe that this situation needs to change then why don’t you drop us a line?

If you are inspired to take up the Amnesty banner to fight injustice please contact Owen at amnesty.cardiff@btinternet.com or follow our social media here.