George Floyd's death was 'appalling and avoidable' - German government

Germany's government is "shocked by the death of George Floyd" in the United States.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson made the statement on Wednesday, reports the CNN.

During a regular government news conference, Steffen Seibert said: "The death of George Floyd (...) shocked people in Germany and all over the world, it shocked the federal government too."

"It is an appalling and avoidable death that shakes you up. We in the federal government are following closely what is happening in America right now." 

Seibert went on to say: "We hope that this violence ends and we hope that the many wise and humane voices that exist in America too, those who are peacefully working for improvements (...) who are striving to end racism, are being heard."

"I am sure there is racism in Germany too," Seibert added, saying "every society, including ours, is called upon to continually work against this."