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France: The Council of Europe is concerned about the “excessive use of force” against the protesters

The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunia Mijatovic, today expressed her concern about the “excessive use of force» against the protesters who protest the reform of the pension system and called her France to respect their right to protest. “Violent incidents were noted, including some aimed at the forces of ordersaid the Commissioner in her announcement.

“But the sporadic ones violent actions of certain demonstrators or other reprehensible acts by other persons during a demonstration they may not justify the excessive use of force by state actors. These acts are also not enough to deprive peaceful protesters of their right to assembly,” he added.

“It is up to the authorities to enable the effective exercise of these freedoms, protecting peaceful protesters and journalists covering these protests from police violence and from violent individuals operating within or on the fringes of the gatherings,” Mijatović continued.

In recent days, bar associations, judges’ associations and politicians on the Left have denounced police brutality in demonstrations against pension reform. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) today called on Interior Minister Gerald Darmanen to “end police violence against journalists”.

Mijatovic also expressed concern over the arrest and detention of some protesters and people close to the demonstrations, questioning “the necessity and proportionality of the measures”. Responding to Darmanen’s statements, he commented that “the failure to announce a demonstration is not in itself sufficient to justify the infringement of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, nor the criminal sanctions imposed on the participants».

The French minister had said on Tuesday that participation in a demonstration that has not been announced in advance constitutes “offense” for which participants may be arrested. Darmanen said today that 11 judicial investigations are being launched into incidents of police brutality in the last week, in the context of the protests.

Source: News Beast

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