"Michael O'Flaherty, commissioner for human rights at the Council of Europe, has asked the government to ensure counter-terrorism laws do not unnecessarily restrict freedom of peaceful assembly. He also called for a comprehensive review of the UK's protest legislation following a range of recent and upcoming changes placing tighter restrictions demonstrations to ensure they comply with international human rights laws, including the European Convention on Human Rights."
"In this regard I recall that domestic legislation designed to counter terrorism' or violent extremism' must not impose any limitations on fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, that are not strictly necessary for the protection of national security and the rights and freedoms of others. I ask the government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the policing of protests conforms to this and related principles of law."
Europe's human rights watchdog warned the Home Secretary that policing of Palestine Action protests risks overreach and unnecessary restrictions on peaceful assembly. The Council of Europe commissioner for human rights requested that counter-terrorism laws not be used to unduly limit peaceful demonstrations. The commissioner called for a comprehensive review of UK protest legislation after recent and forthcoming measures tightening demonstration restrictions. Approximately 2,000 people have been arrested in major protests following the decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. Hundreds of peaceful protesters displaying placards face possible charges under the Terrorism Act. The proscription is being challenged in the High Court.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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