Dal sito ufficiale di Amnesty International <www.amnesty.org>
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Latest Press Releases
Italy: Authorities must carry out urgent investigation
and review of G8 policing
AI Index: EUR 30/004/2001
Publish date: 22/07/2001
Amnesty International [AI] is very concerned by the
circumstances in which -- during anti-globalization demonstrations in Genoa on
20 July -- a demonstrator was fatally shot by a 20- year-old law enforcement
official performing his military service in the carabinieri force.
"The Italian authorities should institute a thorough review of the current
training and deployment of law enforcement officers involved in crowd control
and take all necessary measures to ensure that officers are adequately equipped
and trained to employ non-lethal methods of crowd control, and that no more than
reasonable force is used to control disturbances," Amnesty International
said today.
AI is also urging that the criminal investigation opened into the fatal shooting
pays special heed to international standards relating to the use of force and
firearms by law enforcement officials. These stipulate that "in the
dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only
when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent
necessary."
AI is also concerned about the allegations of indiscriminate assaults by
officers on non- violent protestors, journalists reporting on the demonstrations
and individuals unconnected to the demonstrations. The organization is also
greatly disturbed by reports that during a raid carried out on the headquarters
of the Genoa Social Forum in the early hours of 22 July, officers subjected
individuals to deliberate and gratuitous beatings, resulting in numerous
injuries, some of them requiring urgent hospital treatment. Allegations that
some of those detained in Genoa over the last few days have been deprived of
prompt access to a lawyer and prompt and adequate medical care are also a cause
for concern.
"The allegations of gratuitous violence and violations of detainees rights
by law enforcement officials must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and
impartially," said AI.
"AI recognizes the difficulties faced in policing summits, especially as
certain factions are set on causing violence. The organization does not condone
violence aimed at police or property, nor does it oppose the lawful use of
reasonable force by law enforcement officials but - - as AI reminded the Italian
authorities in the run-up to the G8 demonstrations -- at the same time policing
must be carried out with full respect for international human rights standards."