Solidarity For George Floyd Extends To New Zealand

JAKARTA - Solidarity for victims of the Minneapolis police murder, United States (US), George Floyd is widespread. Monday, June 1, thousands of New Zealanders took to the streets. Those who were involved in the action went on a long march while shouting the message "Black Lives Matter".

Launching The Guardian, demonstrators walked from Aotea Square in Auckland to the US Embassy. Apart from chanting "Black Lives Matter", the demonstrators also raised messages that read, such as, "Be good", "Silence is Betrayal" or "Do Better, Better." All of them refer to demands to reform the police institution.

Auckland, New Zealand, #Blacklivesmatter protest on 1 June.📷 @Samrdyson pic.twitter.com/IvDXoaQwnR

- Ryan Mearns (@ryanmearns) June 1, 2020

Before walking to the US Embassy, the demonstrators first demanded New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to criticize the US for the violence carried out by US police against blacks, including Floyd who died because his neck was crushed by the knee of police, Derek Chauvin.

Demonstrators demanded Ardern's actualization in this case, considering Ardern is known as a figure who often speaks out against racism. In the case of the Christchurch mosque shooting last year, for example.

"Jacinda Ardern, you have to condemn the killing of blacks in America as a hate crime," said one protester.

Starting from that, the demonstration then echoed in the world of social media, Twitter. The proof, the hashtag #armsdownNZ has become a trend in New Zealand, as a result of the tweet of residents calling for a thorough investigation of violence against Floyd.

Solidarity for Floyd was not only provoked by residents who took to the streets. Those who serve as members of the New Zealand Parliament also voted against violence against blacks. In fact, they also encourage the same thing not to happen in New Zealand.

A former Iranian refugee who is also a member of the New Zealand Parliament, Golriz Ghahraman, said that discrimination against people of color has recently become commonplace, especially in New Zealand. For that, policy owners and citizens must work together to fight racism.

“The disease of state-based discrimination is not limited to America. We have to admit that here in New Zealand there is the same thing, ”said Ghahraman.

“George Floyd's death brings sorrow around the world. These incidents have summarized the injustices that stem from centuries of oppression. We must learn from his death and prioritize work to eliminate racism from the police and our justice system. This is an important step to keep our community safer, "he added.

In line with Ghahraman, another member of parliament, Marama Davidson, said that deaths like Floyd are proof that racism is still endemic in the world. “Floyd's death is a product of centuries of social injustice. So, today and every day we stand in solidarity with George Floyd's family, friends and community. "