[Media-watch] AI: United Kingdom: Policing operations must respect right to peaceful protest

[Sigi D]

From: Amnesty International <ai-news at amnesty.org>
Date: Wed Nov 19, 2003  10:24:11  Europe/London
Subject: United Kingdom: Policing operations must
respect right to peaceful protest
Reply-To: <ai-news at amnesty.org>

News Release Issued by the International Secretariat
of Amnesty International

AI INDEX: EUR 45/026/2003     19 November 2003    

United Kingdom: Policing operations for President
Bush's visit must respect right to peaceful protest


In the run-up to President Bush's visit to London,
Amnesty International has urged the United Kingdom
(UK) authorities to ensure that the right to peaceful
demonstration is protected and international human
rights standards fully observed during policing
operations. 

"There have been reports that the special powers to
'stop and search' people without suspicion, let alone
a reasonable one, granted to the police under the
Terrorism Act 2000 will be used during policing of the
demonstrations expected to coincide with President
Bush's visit to London," Amnesty International said. 

"The use of special powers in the context of peaceful
demonstrations may have a chilling effect on the
rights to freedom of assembly and expression."

In March of this year, these powers were used in the
context of law enforcement operations in England in
connection with peace demonstrations. Dozens of people
were stopped and searched. Buses were prevented from
approaching a US airbase on the grounds that the
passengers might breach the peace. Police powers were
used to return the passengers of the buses to London
under police escort. 

The same powers were also used in London in September
of this year in the context of demonstrations at the
Defence Systems and Equipment International Fair in
London. 

"Clearly the UK authorities have a responsibility to
ensure the safety and security of President Bush and
his entourage, as well as that of demonstrators, local
inhabitants and property. However, it is also their
duty to ensure that people are able to peacefully
exercise their rights to freedom of assembly and
expression," the human rights organization said.

In a letter sent today to the Home Secretary, David
Blunkett, Amnesty International also drew attention to
the right not to be subjected to arbitrary arrest or
detention; the fundamental rights of people deprived
of their liberty; and international standards on the
use of force and firearms by law enforcement
officials. 

"The UK authorities must ensure that law enforcement
officials act in accordance with international
standards, including on the use of force, arrest and
detention, in the policing of demonstrations," the
human rights organization concluded.


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