A U.S. state judge of Minnesota on Friday raised security concerns as he imposed new bail conditions on a former Minneapolis police officer accused of the death of George Floyd, which would allow him to live in a neighbouring state while awaiting trial.
Derek Chauvin posted a $1 million bond on Wednesday and was released from the maximum security state prison where he was being held shortly after his arrest.
Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill said the Minnesota Corrections Department, which oversees Chauvin during his release, presented evidence privately “supporting the safety concerns that arose.” However, the order does not say what that evidence involved.
Floyd died on May 25th after Chauvin rested his knee on his neck for several minutes as the handcuffed black man pleaded for appearance.
Her death, which was captured on video and shared online, has sparked mass protests against police violence and anti-black racism in the United States and around the world in recent months.
Chauvin was subsequently charged with unintentional second degree murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter.
The release of the ex-prison officer sparked two nights of protests in Minneapolis and Saint Paul this week, and prompted Governor Tim Walz to mobilize US National Guard troops and law enforcement officers.
Three other sacked former police officers, who also face charges related to Floyd’s death, were released on bail earlier. Their trial is scheduled for March.
Chauvin’s previous conditions forbade him from leaving Minnesota without court permission and ordered him to sign extradition waivers if he was released.
Under the new conditions, he “must establish his residence somewhere in the state of Minnesota or in a contiguous state as soon as possible” and report it to his supervisor.
His address will be shared with local law enforcement, but must remain confidential.
The former officer is also required to carry a cell phone and keep it on, charged and within reach so that the correctional service can reach him at all times. He must also return his passport.
Cahill’s order said the defense and prosecution had agreed to the new terms.
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