In Tennessee (USA), videos have been released of police officers beating a black man. The 29-year-old man died in the ruthless operation in early January. Five police officers involved have since been fired and arrested.
They now have to answer in court. A few weeks after the January 7 crime, videos were first published showing how the police officers involved repeatedly beat a man named Tire Nichols. Nichols calls for help several times, but to no avail.
Victim wanted to flee
Earlier, on the evening of January 7, he was stopped in his car by police in the city of Memphis. The officers, also black, pull him out of the car and push him down. They keep yelling at him to get down, even though he’s already there. Nichols repeatedly asks the officers to stop. He was on his way home and hadn’t done anything yet. Finally, he breaks free and tries to flee on foot. An attempt by a police officer to stop him with a stun gun fails.
However, at another intersection, Nichols is caught again. Footage from a camera attached to a streetlight shows him being held by several officers while others beat him with their fists and batons. In one video, it looks like a police officer is spraying something in his face. Nichols calls loudly for his mother several times.
Kicks in the head
Another shot shows two police officers holding the man against his body while a third officer kicks him in the head. The security forces then dragged the seriously injured man to an emergency vehicle and leaned his upper body against the side of the car. Nichols succumbed to his injuries in hospital three days later. Five police officers involved have since been fired and arrested. They should answer in court.
protest actions
After the video was released, the county sheriff announced that two other officers also at the scene had been suspended. An internal investigation is underway. In addition, two firefighters are being investigated.
The video sparked outrage in the United States and abroad. Protesters peacefully blocked a highway that runs through Memphis. They held up signs that read “Justice for Tyre.” US President Joe Biden said he saw the video and was shocked. The incident reminded him of the deep fear, trauma, pain and exhaustion many black Americans feel every day.
Deadly police brutality with predominantly black victims occurs again and again in the US. The death of African-American George Floyd in May 2020 sparked nationwide demonstrations and sometimes violent riots.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
