"Stop Violence"/ CE tougher with Albania: Attacks on Journalists, Serious Violations of Human Rights
Nga OraNews Përditësimi i fundit 16 Dhjetor 2020, 13:58
Albanian authorities must be restrained in managing demonstrations to ensure a thorough, independent and effective investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force.
This is what the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatovic, said in a statement made today about the protests held in recent days in Albania for the murder of Klodian Rasha.
A statement posted on the CoE's official website expressed concern about "the escalation of clashes between police and protesters."
"The disproportionate use of force has also been reported in connection with other demonstrations that took place in Albania earlier this year," she added.
"Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic does not give authorities the freedom to use force when people gather," said the commissioner.
Dunja Mijatovic says that the police should distinguish between individuals involved in violence and those who demonstrate peacefully, and further refrain from the heavy or indiscriminate use of force.
"While the right to peacefully protest may be restricted to protect public health, the authorities must uphold the principles of necessity and proportionality in all circumstances. Therefore, bans on gatherings and dispersal of demonstrations for the sole reason that they are violating the blockade rules, without considering less restrictive measures, should be avoided. The police must also distinguish between individuals involved in violence and those who demonstrate peacefully and refrain from the heavy or indiscriminate use of force. Furthermore, any detention of children should be carried out only as a last resort and should fully respect their procedural rights, including the right to be questioned only in the presence of a lawyer or one of the parents or guardians of the them."
The Commissioner emphasizes once again that the management of demonstrations should be based on communication and cooperation with the organizers and participants and should aim at reducing tensions.
"It is essential to ensure that police officers operating in the context of demonstrations receive specialized training in the negotiated management of meetings and the proportionate use of force."
The commission also expressed concern about the alleged ban and attacks on some journalists covering the demonstrations.
"Attacks on journalists constitute a serious violation of the freedom of the press and the right to information. Authorities need to ensure that journalists can continue to inform citizens without fear of threats or acts of violence."
