EXCLUSIVE: Sheku Bayoh's family's lawyer calls for major change after George Floyd's death

The lawyer for Sheku Bayoh's family has exclusively told Kingdom FM News there needs to be real change amid ongoing protests in the United States following George Floyd's death.

Aamer Anwar has hit out at what he calls double standards over the way protesters are being treated on the other side of the Atlantic.

He also wants people on this side of the ocean to speak out against racism, saying it's not just about putting messages on social media to show solidarity with people from a black or ethnic minority background, but also supporting families like Mr Bayoh's.

31-year-old Sheku Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy more than five years ago after being restrained by up to nine police officers.

The police officers involved have always denied any wrongdoing.

Mr Bayoh's relatives have tried to seek justice for him.

But it was confirmed by the Crown Office in November last year nobody would be prosecuted over his death.

Last month, the Scottish Government announced the remit of a forthcoming public inquiry into Mr Bayoh's death.

The inquiry will examine to what extent race played a role.

Mr Bayoh's family hope the inquiry will find the truth and make power accountable.

The Crown Office is committed to supporting the inquiry and has noted the terms of reference.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem found George Floyd's death in Minneapolis was homicide.

The 46-year-old was arrested last Monday (25 May) for allegedly using a fake $20 note in a shop. 

He died of asphyxiation as a result of neck and back compression, having had his neck knelt on by police officer Derek Chauvin for several minutes.

Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, according to prosecutors, and is scheduled to appear in court next Monday (8 June).

US President Donald Trump vowed on Monday (1 June) to mobilise civilian and military resources to put an end to the protests over Mr Floyd's death.

Mr Floyd's brother, Terrence Floyd, has called on those who are angry to use democratic and peaceful means to bring about change.

Former US President Barack Obama has called for a 'new normal' to defeat bigotry and inequality.

This coming Sunday, Black Lives Matter will be holding a protest in Glasgow.

A similar event was scheduled for Dundee on the same day, but it's been stated on Facebook it has been postponed.

Aamer Anwar thinks people who are protesting in America are fed up of not being heard:

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