Should Derek Chauvin be out on bail? Alan Dershowitz tells Laura Ingraham George Floyd’s killer ‘not a danger’
George Floyd's killer Derek Chauvin was finally convicted on multiple charges, almost a year after the video of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes went viral. In the wake of the momentous April 20 verdict, people have broken out in celebrations all over social media, while criticism of the verdict has been voiced too. Joining the latter group, celebrity lawyer Alan Dershowitz claimed Chauvin should be let out free on bail, arguing "he's not going to endanger anybody."
During an appearance on Fox News's 'The Ingraham Angle' one day after the verdict, Dershowitz began with how the “bar for convicting officers is far too high”, remarking there is still a need for reform. “We need to apply the same standard to police and ordinary citizens except we have to understand that ordinary citizens have no obligation to risk their lives to prevent an ongoing crime,” he said. “So the rules have to defer and understand and recognize the risks that police take. When it comes to the elements of actual crimes, you can’t bury them. You can’t raise the bar for certain groups of people over other groups of people.”
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'No reason why he should be remanded'
Host Laura Ingraham then brought up the subject of Chauvin, raising concerns about his solitary confinement while doubting his conviction. “Do you think that given what the judge said about an appeal that he probably shouldn’t have even been remanded back into custody?” Ingraham asked. Dershowitz acknowledged that “different states have different rules” regarding bail for convicted murderers, but added that the judge offered the defense “good appellate issues." He said, "He should be released on bail. There is no reason why he should be remanded. He’s not going to flee. He wants to have an appeal. He’s not going to endanger anybody. His face is well known.”
Dershowitz further argued: “What if his conviction is reversed? Where does he go to get the two years back?” He then notes how solitary confinement has been internationally ruled “cruel and unusual punishment” and said he “should not be in solitary at this point unless he wants it for his own protection.” This comes after prison spokespersons have claimed Chauvin is in solitary “because of fears for his safety." Dershowitz finally concluded, "And he should be released on bail, like all people released on bail pending appeal, unless they pose a risk or danger of flight."
Who is Alan Dershowitz?
The retired Harvard professor is popular as a high-profile celebrity lawyer, a one-time associate and lawyer of convicted sex trafficker and pedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein. Ahead of Epstein's suicide in prison, Dershowitz had also publicly condemned the idea of "statutory rape," calling it an "outdated concept" and calling for the legal age of consent to be lowered to 15. In recent news, he lamented the former Minneapolis cop's verdict, claiming he could lose years in prison if he later wins an appeal that overturns his convictions.
Dershowitz is believed to be currently advising pro-Trump MyPillow tycoon Mike Lindell in his billion-dollar defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems. The 82-year-old, twice married, lawyer is also known for his books like 'The best defense', and 'Chutzpah'. He had also recently made headlines after he joined others in accusing Rep Maxine Waters of inciting violence through her speech to a Black Lives Matter protest in Minneapolis ahead of Chauvin's verdict. Dershowitz claimed Waters used 'KKK tactics' when she told the crowd that should Chauvin not get convicted, the movement would have to be more "confrontational."