Alton Sterling Decision Highlights Need for US to Meet International Standards on Lethal Force
WASHINGTON - Reacting to a news conference by Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry stating the Louisiana Department of Justice would not prosecute the two police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling, Kristina Roth, Senior Program Officer at Amnesty International USA stated:
“The decision of the Louisiana Department of Justice is a reflection of the urgent need to review both state and federal laws governing when and how police should use deadly force.
“Neither Louisiana, not any other US state, complies with international standards that maintain deadly force can only be used when there is an imminent threat to life or serious injury.
“Police officers have a duty to respect and protect the dignity of all human life. This serves as a persistent reminder that we cannot expect accountability until the United States fully complies with international standards on lethal force.”
This is the world we live in. This is the world we cover.
Because of people like you, another world is possible. There are many battles to be won, but we will battle them together—all of us. Common Dreams is not your normal news site. We don't survive on clicks. We don't want advertising dollars. We want the world to be a better place. But we can't do it alone. It doesn't work that way. We need you. If you can help today—because every gift of every size matters—please do. Without Your Support We Won't Exist.
Please select a donation method:
We are people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. Our purpose is to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied. We investigate and expose abuses, educate and mobilize the public, and help transform societies to create a safer, more just world.
