Police arrests several over acquittal of Cleveland officer

Multiple arrests have been made during protests in Cleveland, Ohio, over the acquittal of a white officer who shot dead two unarmed African Americans in 2012.

A Cuyahoga County court judge said Saturday the decision to use deadly force by Officer Michael Brelo, 31, was reasonably justifiable in the deaths of 43-year-old Timothy Russell and 30-year-old Malissa Wiliiams in November 2012.

Thirteen officers fired a total of 137 times at the pair’s car after a high-speed chase, but only Brelo was charged because prosecutors said he fired 15 rounds even when the vehicle had stopped and the occupants were no longer a threat.

US Representative Marcia Fudge, a Democrat from Ohio, slammed the acquittal as a "stunning setback on the road to justice."

"Today we have been told – yet again – our lives have no value," said Fudge, who is African-American.

In a Twitter post, police said several protesters were arrested on Saturday night, including three who were taken into custody over aggravated rioting and other charges.

The arrests were made after a restaurant patron in a dining area downtown was injured with an object thrown in through a window.

A large contingent of officers wearing riot gear began arresting angry people who refused to leave the area.

Protests have been mostly peaceful until Saturday evening.

The deaths of other African-Americans at the hands of police or while in police custody over the past year--in Ferguson, New York City, Baltimore as well as Cleveland--have caused mass protests in American cities.

AT/HRJ

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk