**Police Crackdown on Peaceful Protest: A Human Rights Concern**
In a statement that has sparked debate, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani emphasized the importance of proportionality in policing protests. Speaking at a parliamentary session, he argued that just because there may be violent incidents during a rally, it doesn’t give the police the right to crack down on peaceful protesters.
Ioseliani pointed out that people protesting peacefully on Rustaveli street may not even know about or be connected to the violence happening elsewhere in the city. He suggested that the police should focus on responding appropriately to the violent incidents, while protecting the rights of peaceful protesters to express themselves without fear of repression.
**The Importance of Proportionality**
Ioseliani’s approach is rooted in the principle of proportionality, which is a cornerstone of human rights law. This principle requires that any use of force by the state must be proportional to the situation and not excessive or disproportionate. In the context of policing protests, this means that authorities should strive for the most peaceful and least restrictive methods possible.
**A Higher Standard for Policing Protests**
The Public Defender’s report highlighted a concerning pattern of violence against protesters during recent demonstrations in Georgia. Ioseliani stressed that his goal is to ensure that the police standard for dispersing protests is among the best in the world, where no one suffers harm and everyone’s rights are respected.
**A Commentary from the Human Rights Perspective**
From a human rights perspective, Ioseliani’s statement is significant because it highlights the need for police to respect and protect the rights of all individuals participating in peaceful demonstrations. The use of excessive force or arbitrary arrest can have serious consequences for human rights and undermine trust between law enforcement and the public.
In an ideal world, policing protests should be about maintaining safety and order while respecting everyone’s right to free expression and assembly. As Ioseliani pointed out, it may be difficult for police to achieve this balance, but that doesn’t excuse them from trying.
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