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.”
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