George Zimmerman, the Florida neighbourhood watchman who shot dead black teenager Trayvon Martin was finally brought to justice last week after months of protest. Zimmerman who fatally shot the unarmed 17-year-old Trayvon –who was walking home from the shops unarmed at the time– as he felt he looked suspicious and was wearing a hoody turned himself in this April, and faces a charge of 2nd Degree murder. Zimmerman will remain in custody until his brief hearing on the 29th May when there will be a formal reading of the charges brought against him.
Trayvon Martin’s parents said the charge was a first step towards justice but that there was “a long way to go.” Mr Zimmerman was not arrested in the weeks after he shot the 17-year-old on 26th February. He claimed he acted in self-defence and told police the youngster had attacked him, banging his head against the pavement, after Mr Zimmerman pursued him for looking suspicious. According to Zimmerman’s Lawyers, George was never protected by the Stand for Your Right Law which protects civilians attacking in self defence. Police released recordings from the emergency services where Trayvon’s cries could be heard before being silenced by a gun shot. The news of Zimmerman’s sentencing was welcomed by thousands who were appalled an angry at the amount of time it took to resolves the case. Thousands in Florida and London wore hoodies in protest.
