The verdict was read out by Judge Peter Cahill.
In the statement, the judge said the sentence was not based «on emotions or sympathy» or «public opinion.» At the same time, he said Chauvin’s sentence was more severe than the presumptive sentence for this type of crime, because, in his view, it was committed with aggravating factors, such as abuse of power and particular cruelty.
Chauvin can be released on parole after serving two-thirds of his sentence, or about 15 years.
Commenting on the verdict, US President Joe Biden described it as «appropriate,» the White House press service said.
«I don’t know all the circumstances that were considered but it seems to me, that under the guidelines, that seems to be appropriate,» Biden told reporters during a meeting with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and High Commission for National Reconciliation Chair Abdullah Abdullah.