"The NYCLU is seeking release to the public of the grand jury’s transcript, as well as the evidence presented and the instructions the jury was given," the NYCLU stated in a press release. "Today’s request to the State Court of Appeals contends that the public cannot make necessary decisions on major, wide-ranging… without itself knowing exactly how the grand jury proceedings were conducted."
In July 2014, Garner died as a result of New York police officer Daniel Pantaleo applying a chokehold on him. A grand jury did not indict Pantaleo for the killing on Garner, causing widespread protests across the United States. A lower court in New York soon ruled that the records of the grand jury’s proceedings should remain secret.
NYCLU explained that lack of accountability in Garner’s death has shaken the confidence residents of New York have had in the grand jury system.
"As New Yorkers continue to demand answers and ask if black lives matter, we hope the court will put an end to the secrecy surrounding the Garner grand jury records and provide transparency that is a first step in rebuilding people’s trust in the criminal justice system," NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman said.
The United States has seen waves of mass protests over the past year against police brutality as well as racial profiling, prompted by the numerous killings of unarmed individuals.
