$1,25 million is the bail that has been set for Derek Chauvin. Chauvin is the Minneapolis, now dismissed, policeman accused of killing unarmed African American, George Floyd.

The BBC reports that Chauvin has made his first court appearance, where prosecutors increased his bail from $1 million. The reasons cited were the ‘severity of the charges’ and public outrage. Chauvin’s lawyer did not object to the price of the bail. The 44-year-old is being held at the Minnesota state prison, reportedly after having been transferred several times.

Chauvin, who had his knee pressed into Floyd’s neck for several minutes as he pleaded that he could not breathe, has been with the police force for 19 years.  Floyd’s death in hospital later, led to protests both in the United States and across the world. Chokeholds and neck restraints by police officers have since been voted banned by the Minneapolis city council. Wide ranging legislation on police reform has also been unveiled by Democrats in the US Congress.

Chauvin faces three separate charges: unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The maximum prison terms if he is found guilty on those charges, are 40, 25 and 10 years respectively. Three other officers who had been present at the scene of Floyd’s arrest, have also been dismissed, and have now been charged with aiding and abetting murder. According to the BBC, Chauvin did not enter a plea as he appeared via teleconference on Monday, neither did he speak during the 15-minute hearing.

The former law enforcement officer is reportedly unlikely to be charged with first degree murder as it would be difficult to prove premeditation, intent and motive in this instance.

Chauvin’s next court appearance is set for June 29.

Umm Muhammed Umar