International Shia News Agency

Thousands expected at black man’s funeral in Baltimore

SHAFAQNA – Funeral services for 25-year-old Freddie Gray were planned for Monday at a church in Baltimore, which is expected to be filled for the service, which would be followed by a cemetery burial. Meanwhile, the White House said in a statement that three officials from the administration of President Barack Obama will attend the funeral, including Broderick Johnson, a Baltimore native who is the chairman of a task force for men of color.

A wake ceremony was held for Gray at a Baltimore funeral home on Sunday. Melissa McDonald, 36, who said she was Gray’s cousin, described him as a non-violent person, saying “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” Gray died April 19, a week after an encounter with police that left him with grave spinal injuries. Authorities have not explained how or when his spine was injured. Police said Gray was arrested after he made eye contact with officers and ran away. Officers pushed Gray to the ground, handcuffed him and placed him into a police van. His death has prompted near-daily demonstrations by thousands of Black Lives Matter activists.

Police treatment of African Americans and other minorities has become a major issue in the United States over the past year. African-Americans are far more likely to be shot, arrested, or imprisoned by police than any other racial group, according to a recent analysis by USA TODAY. Experts say the dramatic gap in police shootings and prison rates reflect biased policing as well as the vast economic and educational inequalities that plague much of the country.

Source : Press TV

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