Unrest in Ferguson

 

The riots in US city Ferguson have become a major challenge for US judicial system. It is a grim reminder of the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles in the early 90s. Ferguson appears to be a war zone after the jury’s decision. Heavy deployment of security forces, acts of arson and firing of tear gas is a rare occurrence in the United States.

Despite US President Barack Obama’s call for calm and respect for the jury’s decision, protests have spread in more than 30 cities including New York, Los Angeles and California. In major cities, protesters are taking to the streets chanting slogans against the decision. In a statement Brown’s family said that the decision of the jury was heart-breaking, painful and that justice was not done. In a public conference Brown’s parents and local African-American leaders called for reforms and more accountability in the current legal system. 

Schism appears to be widening between African-Americans and the local community. US first African-American President Obama is trying hard to calm down the situation. After heavy criticism about militarization of the local police and use of heavy force against African American community things are getting from bad to worse. Only a week ago another black teenager was shot dead by police for allegedly having a fake gun in his possession. Political observers think that killing of Michael Brown in not the only reason for the current unrest. Poverty and unemployment are rising among the African-Americans and some people who are involved in rioting are taking advantage of the present situation for their own benefit. 

Khawaja Umer Farooq, 

Jeddah