Amnesty International criticizes de facto ban on demonstrations in Bern
Published: Friday, Nov 17th 2023, 13:10
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Amnesty International has sharply criticized the de facto ban on demonstrations in the city of Bern until Christmas. According to the human rights organization, the ban on large-scale demonstrations in the city centre, which has been in force since Friday, violates the standards of international law.
The Swiss section of Amnesty International wrote in a press release on Friday that it was concerned about the recklessness with which the Bernese authorities were restricting the freedom to demonstrate. The authorities had numerous instruments at their disposal to respond to real threats.
"Obstructing peaceful demonstrations - also in connection with the conflict in the Middle East - with the argument that the agenda for maintaining security is full is a violation of human rights," Alicia Giraudel, a lawyer at Amnesty International Switzerland, is quoted as saying.
Interference with the right to demonstrate
Banning large political demonstrations for several weeks is a serious infringement of the right to demonstrate. Any restriction that deviates from human rights obligations must be justified. It must have a legal basis, be necessary and proportionate and pursue a legitimate aim.
Reasons such as obstructing traffic and disrupting the daily lives of citizens did not meet the criteria set out in international law standards for justifying restrictions on freedom of assembly, Amnesty International continued.
On November 8, the municipal council of the city of Bern announced that it no longer wanted any large demonstrations or parades in the city center from November 17 to December 24 for the time being. Smaller demonstrations could still be permitted in the city center. Other locations in the city are also possible for demonstrations.
Security Director Reto Nause (center) defended the decision by saying that the city had approved three Palestine rallies that had taken place in a special emotional atmosphere and had been accompanied by a large police contingent.
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