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Colin Kaepernick sets up legal defence fund for George Floyd demonstrators

Colin Kaepernick protesting before a game in 2016: (Getty Images)
Colin Kaepernick protesting before a game in 2016: (Getty Images)

American football player and civil rights activist Colin Kaepernick has set up a legal defence fund for George Floyd protesters in need of representation.

Mr Floyd died on Monday in Minneapolis, after police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck while detaining him, sparking protests all over the US and outcry from politicians, including former president Barack Obama.

Mr Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday and may face further charges in the future, according to Hennepin county attorney Mike Freeman.

Protests have taken place over several days in Minneapolis, Denver, and Columbus, among other cities in the US.

Police have clashed with demonstrators, and Mr Kaepernick announced on Friday that he has set up a legal defence fund for anyone arrested while protesting police brutality in Minneapolis, in the wake of Mr Floyd’s death.

“In fighting for liberation there’s always retaliation. We must protect our Freedom Fighters. We started a legal defense initiative to give legal representation to Freedom Fighters in Minneapolis paid for by @yourrightscamp,” the quarterback tweeted.

The legal fees will be paid for by Mr Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp, an organisation that is attempting to educate and empower people of colour across the US.

Mr Kaepernick made headlines worldwide in 2016 when he protested against police brutality against black people, by taking a knee during the US national anthem before football games.

Although he has support from many, Mr Kaepernick has suffered professionally as a result of his activism, facing criticism from politicians including Donald Trump, and has not played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2016.

On Thursday, Mr Kaepernick tweeted his support for protestors and paid tribute to Mr Floyd.

“When civility leads to death, revolting is the only logical reaction. The cries for peace will rain down, and when they do, they will land on deaf ears, because your violence has brought this resistance,” he tweeted.

“We have the right to fight back! Rest in Power George Floyd.”