Thousands protest against racism in US capital
Huge peaceful rallies are occurring over the US against racism and police brutality on the 12th day of protests sparked by George Floyd's death.
Tens of thousands of people have marched in Washington DC in the capital's major demonstration so far.
Security forces blocked any method of the White House. Crowds also protested in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
Meanwhile, people paid their respects to Mr Floyd in NEW YORK, where he was created, before a memorial service.
Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis on 25 May. Video showed a white officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes while he is pinned to the ground.
Mr Chauvin has been dismissed and charged with murder. Three other officers who were on the scene are also sacked and charged with aiding and abetting.
Large anti-racism protests also took place in several other countries. In the united kingdom, Parliament Square in central London was filled up with persons despite calls by the federal government in order to avoid mass gatherings for concern with spreading the coronavirus.
In Australia, there have been major protests in the cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that focused on the treating indigenous Australians. There have been also demonstrations in France, Germany and Spain.
What is happening in the US?
In Washington DC, protesters - many of them carrying placards saying "Black Lives Matter" - gathered peacefully near the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and outside Lafayette Park, next to the White House, at the newly renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza.
Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomed people, saying the crowds had sent a note to President Donald Trump. On Monday, federal police officers fired tear gas to clear a protest in the area before a visit to a church by the president.
"If he can take over Washington DC, he will come for just about any state, and none of us will be safe," she said. "Our soldiers shouldn't be treated that way, they shouldn't be asked to go on Americans."
Ms Bowser has requested the withdrawal of most federal police officers and National Guard troops from the town, saying their occurrence is "unnecessary".
A 35-year-protester, Eric Wood, told the BBC: "I'm here because I really couldn't afford not to be here. Racism is definitely a part of the united states."
Crystal Ballinger, 46, said she felt hopeful about the movement this time around. "I feel different things concerning this protest... I'm hopeful that the message of solidarity and equality gets out."
In NY, crowds crossed the Brooklyn Bridge while in SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA demonstrators briefly shut the Golden Gate Bridge. There were protests also in Atlanta and Philadelphia, where crowds chanted "We need justice, we need love".
