Published 14:49 IST, May 31st 2020
George Floyd's death: Iranian Foreign Minister slams US, calls for war against racism
Iran, on May 30, berated the US over the alleged killing of George Floyd by a white police officer. His death sparked violent riots across the country.
Iran, on May 30, berated the US over the alleged killing of an unarmed black man by a white police officer. The death of George Floyd has sparked violent riots across the American territory. Previously, China and Russia have targetted the US for its mishandling of the case.
Taking to Twitter, Iranian Foreign minister Mohammad Javed Zarif wrote that some people did not think that “black lives matter” as he posted an edited copy of US secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s statement. In 2018, Pompeo had called out on the Iran government saying that it was squandering its citizens. However, the new version had elements cut and replaced to target ‘American dictators’. Calling on America’s tactics of suppression, the tweet also said that Americans were tired of “racism, corruption injustice, and incompetence from leaders”.
Meanwhile, Trump, on May 29, reportedly said that he had talked to the family of late George Floyd. Floyd, an African-American man died in custody after a policeman knelt on his neck suffocating him to death. Previously, the American leader was lampooned after he dubbed protesters as 'thugs' on social media. In his tweet, he had also warned, “when looting starts, the shooting starts” However, later he came out in the support of peaceful protests and asked people to respect the memory of late George Floyd.
George Floyd's death
George Floyd's tragic death has not only angered millions across the world but it has also fueled a fresh wave of protests in various US states. George Floyd was handcuffed and begging for breath after being arrested. But in a video showing the entire incident, the police officer on duty can be seen kneeling on Floyd's neck which resulted in his death. The police officer, Derek Chauvin, was previously fired but now he has been arrested and charged with murder on May 29.
(Image credit: AP)
Updated 14:49 IST, May 31st 2020