Ban on demonstrations during the Covid pandemic before the Grand Chamber
Published: Monday, Nov 20th 2023, 12:21
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The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will rule on the case of the Geneva Community for Trade Union Action next Monday. Last spring, the first instance ruled that the ban on demonstrations imposed due to the Covid pandemic violated the freedom of assembly and association.
The Swiss government requested that the case be dealt with by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The first instance had found a violation of freedom of assembly by four votes to three.
It concluded that the ban on demonstrations in force from March 17 to May 30, 2020 was not proportionate to the objectives pursued - in particular due to its duration and the severity of the sanctions provided for.
Without underestimating the threat posed by the coronavirus to society and public health, this intervention was not necessary.
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