American embassies across the world marked the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin Tuesday by prominently displaying the Black Lives Matter flag.
In Athens, the flag was hanged in such a manner that it covered the official US embassy seal.
“We raise this banner in honor of George Floyd, murdered one year ago today, in solidarity with people around the globe seeking a world without racial discrimination and a future with equal opportunity for all,” read a post from the embassy’s official account, which included the hashtag “#BlackLivesMatter”.
Similar displays took place at American embassies in Madrid and Sarajevo, while US Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy tweeted an image of the flag on the fencing surrounding the embassy in Phnom Penh.
“As we mark the 1-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we are reminded of injustices that persist and our commitment – and obligation – to seek justice, equality, and respect for all,” tweeted Murphy, who added the hashtag “#BLM”.
The demonstrations have the blessing of President Biden’s State Department. A leaked memo first obtained by Human Events and authenticated by Fox News read in part: “The Department supports the use of the term ‘Black Lives Matter’ in messaging content, speeches, and other diplomatic engagements with foreign audiences to advance racial equity and access to justice on May 25 and beyond. We encourage posts to focus on the need to eliminate systemic racism and its continued impact.”
The memo adds that State Department employees are “generally” permitted to “engage in BLM-related activity while on duty or in the workplace.”
The department also tweeted out a video marking the anniversary of Floyd’s death in which Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed: “For the United States to be a credible force for human rights around the world, we have to face the realities of racism and hatred here at home.
“We can’t sweep our shortcomings under the rug or pretend they don’t exist,” Blinken added. “We need to face them openly and honestly. Even if that’s ugly. Even if that’s painful.”
Chauvin was convicted last month of murder and manslaughter in Floyd’s death. Three other officers are awaiting trial in connection with the botched arrest that led to Floyd’s murder and all four face federal charges of violating Floyd’s civil rights.