Judge orders George Floyd trial to be live-streamed

A US judge has upheld his decision to livestream the trial of four former Minneapolis cops charged in the death of George Floyd.

Judge Peter Cahill said he would allow video coverage because of immense global interest in the event and limited courthouse space, the Star Tribune reported. Trial is scheduled for March.

In his order issued on Friday, Mr Cahill dismissed concerns by state prosecutors, who argued last month that recording audio tracks and visuals of the trial would violate court rules and scare away potential witnesses. Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office, which is leading the prosecution, asked that Mr Cahill rescind his previous ruling or consider narrowing the scope of outside access.

The judge declined to modify his original ruling, writing that although he previously granted more intensive video coverage than allowed in court rules, he's permitted to modify the guidelines “regardless to avoid manifest injustice”.

A coalition of media organisations, like the Associated Press, has requested camera access, arguing that cameras would increase transparency, especially through the pandemic.

Floyd, a black man, died while being arrested on May 25 after a white officer pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for a few minutes even after Floyd said he cannot breathe. The officer, Derek Chauvin, faces second-degree unintentional murder and manslaughter charges. Three other officers mixed up in arrest are charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder and manslaughter. All four officers were fired.