An online book of condolences in memory of George Floyd, whose death in the USA last month sparked protests across the world, has been opened by the Mayor of Limerick.
Cllr Michael Sheahan opened the book yesterday evening, as protests calling for police reform, and highlighting the mistreatment of black people by cops continued across the world 15 days since Mr Floyd was killed.
A video appearing to show a police officer kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while he called out for help and said he couldn’t breathe, led to the officer’s sacking and subsequent charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter being brought against him.
Three other arresting officers were charged with aiding and abetting murder.
“I have opened this book of condolence to allow the people of Limerick to express their sympathies to the family of Mr Floyd and to stand in solidarity with the people who are appalled by his murder,” said Mayor Sheahan.
“The George Floyd has shocked the entire world and shone a spotlight on the ongoing issues with race in the United States and as a consequence around the world.”
Mayor Sheahan continued that the book of condolence was to show “our support for the millions of peaceful protestors in Ireland, America and across the world against racial injustice”.
A Black Lives Matter protest took place in Limerick last weekend.
Around 300 protestors of all races joined together in one voice to call out racism and violence towards black people.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Limerick book of condolence is available only online to allow people “to express their sympathies to his family and to stand in solidarity with those who are appalled by his murder, and who are opposing racial injustice around the world”, stated Limerick City and County Council.
The book a which is available on the Councils website (www.limerick.ie), will remain open until 16 June 2020.
This book will then be forwarded to the US Embassy in Dublin.
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