The European Conservative and Reformists Group in the European Parliament strongly condemns racism, xenophobia and discrimination in all its forms and supports the right to freedom of expression and right to peaceful protest whilst it deplores the rioting, looting and vandalizing that followed the killing of US Citizen George Floyd.

The ECR maintains that it regrets the inexcusable loss of life and expresses its condolences to the family and community of George Floyd and commends the swift reaction by the Minneapolis Police Force to the incident and removing and charging the four officers involved.

The ECR commends the swift reaction by the Minneapolis Police Force to the incident and removing and charging the four officers involved.

The ECR has taken note of new proposals unveiled by President Donald Trump for police reform including more investment into police training, recruiting and community engagement.

The ECR deplores the rioting, looting and vandalizing that followed the killing and is currently breaking out throughout North America and Europe.

The ECR also notes that this tragic case is used in propaganda activities of U.S. adversaries, including China, Russia and Iran, also to leverage the protests against U.S. administration and her foreign affairs policies.

The ECR further condemns the practice of Antifa and other radical organisations of hijacking legitimate protests and turning them into violent demonstrations, causing unrest and severe damage to property as well as putting people’s life at risk by urging them to take part in mass protests despite the coronavirus pandemic and in clear contradiction of rules, regulations and advice of health experts.

The ECR underlines that any cases of police brutality must be resolved domestically by the appropriate authorities.

The ECR recalls that this tragedy happened at a local police precinct and was quickly addressed by the authorities. It warns therefore against using it for political purposes as an excuse to attack and condemn law enforcement as a whole.