Europe: Sweeping pattern of systematic attacks and restrictions undermine peaceful protest
Amnesty International unveils the alarming state of the right to protest across Europe.
- Under-protected and over-restricted: Review of 21 European countries shows the systematic decline of the right to protest.
- Policing, impunity, and surveillance: Excessive force used by police against peaceful protesters with cases of torture and ill-treatment.
- Demonizing protest: Trend of stigmatization and harmful rhetoric by authorities towards protesters.
- Anti-protest legislation and criminalization: European states failing to respect international legal obligations to facilitate peaceful assemblies.
- Targeting civil disobedience: Civil disobedience framed as a threat leading to harsher law enforcement methods.
- Chilling effect and discrimination: Disproportionate impact on marginalized groups discouraging participation in assemblies.
A Call to Action
Billions of protesters continue to fight for their rights despite mounting restrictions. States must reform laws to ensure alignment with international human rights obligations.
Project Details
The project is a part of Amnesty International’s global campaign, Protect the Protest, aiming to safeguard the right to protest worldwide.
Source: www.amnesty.org