International

Ex-policeman convicted of Floyd murder pleads not guilty in separate violence case

afp

Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis policeman convicted of the murder of George Floyd, pleaded not guilty on Thursday in a separate case in which he is accused of striking a Black teenager with a flashlight and kneeling on his neck.

Chauvin, 45, is serving a 22 1/2-year prison sentence for the May 2020 murder of Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man whose death sparked protests against racial injustice and police brutality across the United States.

In the other case, Chauvin is accused of violating the constitutional rights of a 14-year-old Minneapolis boy during a September 2017 arrest.

According to the indictment, Chauvin held the teenager by the throat and struck him multiple times in the head with a flashlight.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

He also allegedly held his knee on the neck and the upper back of the boy even after he was lying prone and handcuffed on the ground — a position similar to that which led to Floyd’s death.

Chauvin pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday by video from the maximum security Minnesota prison where he is serving his sentence.

Chauvin, who is white, was captured on video kneeling on Floyd’s neck for nearly 10 minutes, until he fell unconscious and died.

Chauvin and three other police officers who were on the scene during Floyd’s fatal arrest pleaded not guilty earlier this week to federal civil rights charges.

They are charged with violating Floyd’s constitutional rights and failing to respond to his medical needs.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

A jury took less than 10 hours in April to convict Chauvin of Floyd’s murder at the end of a high-profile trial. The other three police officers are to face state charges next year for their roles in Floyd’s death.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

20260224_estafa_mh_728x90

International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.