The trial of the former police officers charged for George Floyd’s murder is scheduled to begin in March and is currently set to be televised.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asked a judge to reverse permission to broadcast the trial, citing concern for the safety of witnesses in the case, according to a report by KARE 11 news.
Ellison’s request stated, “Ordinary citizens have been thrust into these proceedings simply because they witnessed George Floyd’s death.”
“They should not be forced to sacrifice their privacy or suffer possible threats of intimidation when they perform their civic duty and testify,” the statement continued.
Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill granted permission for the trial to be televised early last month on November 4.
If Cahill won’t reconsider the decision, Ellison suggested only airing the opening and closing arguments.
The murder of George Floyd on May 25 sparked months of global protest and unrest while strengthening the call for an end to police brutality.
Derek Chauvin, the former officer who held Floyd’s neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes, killing him, was charged with first degree murder in June.
The other three former officers at the scene, J. Alexander Kueng, Tou Thao, and Thomas Lane were charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder, and aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter.
All four of them are currently out on bail.
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