Amnesty International Accuses US Police of Gross Human Rights Violations

Amnesty International, while condemning the harsh approach of US police in confronting anti-racism protests, has expressed concern about the trampling of the right to freedom of speech and assembly in the United States.

Amnesty International documented cases of US police violence against peaceful anti-racism protests in an investigative report. The report emphasizes that police have once again resorted to force at gatherings protesting violence.

Beating of protesters, use of chemical substances such as pepper spray and tear gas, and firing of projectiles are counted among examples of these acts of violence.

Amnesty International described these actions as a concerning approach towards “the right to life, personal security, rule of law” and a denial of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

In this report, “disproportionate and often excessive violence” in 40 US states, including Washington, was noted, which involved the formation of 125 cases. Victims of beatings, tear gas or rubber bullets were not only protest participants, but also included journalists and emergency responders.

Amnesty International particularly condemned the use of tear gas or pepper spray during the coronavirus pandemic, stating that protesters were forced to remove their masks in order to wash their faces.

This report was prepared based on interviews and testimonies from 50 individuals who were among the protesters and experienced such violence.

Katarina Masoud, Americas expert at Amnesty International’s Germany office, says: “The excessive and disproportionate use of violence against protesters in America stems from the failure to prosecute brutal officers and the entrenchment of racism within US police.”

Ms. Masoud believes that US police approach towards demonstrators must undergo fundamental change, both at the local and federal level: “Deploying officers as happened in Portland is not a solution.”

Amnesty International has called upon the US Congress to pass legislation to protect protesters, so that officers responsible for beatings and use of force against people are held accountable under law and victims receive necessary support.

The organization states that more than 1,000 people are killed by police in America annually, but since the government does not collect data, the exact number of victims is unclear: “Statistically, there is a disproportionate number of Black people among those killed.”

A Death That Sparked Outrage

The killing of George Floyd, an African American citizen, at the hands of a white officer, sparked a wave of anger and anti-racism protests across the United States. Police threw Floyd, whose hands were handcuffed, to the ground and placed their knee on his neck so he could not move. The pressure of the knee and disregard for Floyd’s pleas as he could not breathe, resulted in a death that shook America and brought people to the streets.

This incident highlighted the debate on racism in America and the violent behavior of police, and made the slogan “Black Lives Matter” a rallying cry.

Nevertheless, police treated protesters and their peaceful protests with violence and intimidation. Critics of Donald Trump view his positions, including “calling protesters terrorists,” as factors that escalated violence during anti-racism demonstrations.

Source: DW