EP condemns use of violence against protestors

By Yusuf Ozcan

STRASBOURG

The European Parliament adopted on Thursday a resolution condemning the use of violence and disproportionate interventions by state authorities during peaceful protests.

The resolution was adopted at the General Assembly by 438 votes to 78 with 87 abstentions.

In the resolution, the EP encouraged “the relevant authorities to ensure a transparent, impartial, independent and effective investigation when the use of disproportionate force is suspected or has been alleged.”

It also called on the member states to “ensure that the use of force by law enforcement authorities is always lawful, proportionate, necessary and the last resort.”

The parliament “emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing the safety of law enforcement officers, police officers and soldiers engaged in security maintenance operations during public protest demonstrations,” it added.