UN Special Rapporteur Speaks Out Against Police Violence in Georgia
The United Nations special rapporteur on the right to freedom of assembly, Gina Romero, is calling for an end to police violence against protesters in Georgia. Reports have been coming in about the use of pepper spray and water jets with chemical irritants during mass protests.
Romero stated that she was disturbed by reports of targeted use of these less lethal weapons, particularly when they are fired at individuals. According to her, this is a clear violation of international standards for protecting the right to protest.
The UN guidelines on using less lethal weapons by law enforcement agencies state that water cannon and tear gas can only be used against groups, not individuals. Romero emphasized that firing irritating projectiles (tear gas) at individuals should generally not happen and that projectiles should never be fired at the head or face due to the risk of serious injury.
The UN guidelines also warn about the dangers of using water jets in cold weather, as they can cause hypothermia and cold water shock. Romero stressed that the use of water jets must be carefully planned and implemented with strict command and control at the highest level.
Romero is urging the government of Georgia to respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and stop using less lethal weapons against protesters. The UN will continue to closely monitor the situation in Georgia.