Factsheet – Use of force in the policing of demonstrations

The use of force in the policing of demonstrations may, in certain circumstances, raise issues under the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular in terms of the right to life, the prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, freedom of expression and freedom of reunion.

The cases refer to article 2 (right to life), to prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 3), to the right to a fair trial within a reasonable time (Article 6), beside freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, and cover most countries in Europe in the last two decades.