Amnesty International is observing an increase in state repression of protest around the world. Authorities increasingly used unlawful force and enacted repressive laws to crush protests, the human rights organization said. On your worldwide map “Protest Map” For the first time, Germany is also listed as a country in which freedom of assembly is restricted.
In at least 86 of the 156 countries examined, state authorities used unlawful force against peaceful demonstrators last year, Amnesty said. In 37 countries, security forces even used lethal weapons. The research also showed that protesters were arbitrarily detained in 79 of the countries examined. Some demonstrators are subjected to severe repression, are tortured, mistreated, simply disappear or are killed.
Germany listed, among other things, for preventive detention
For the first time, Germany is listed as a country in which the right to freedom of assembly is increasingly restricted, it said. Examples of preventive detention, painkillers, repressive legislation and bans on gatherings are given. Climate activists in particular are currently facing increasing repression.
Since October 2022, the Bavarian police have taken dozens of activists into preventive detention for up to 30 days, most recently in connection with the IAA motor show in Munich. “Although preventative detention was originally intended to prevent serious violent crimes, in recent years it has been used primarily as a deterrent against climate activists,” said Amnesty expert Paula Zimmermann.
Amnesty said cases of excessive police violence have also been reported in recent years, particularly during road blockades. “We appeal to the federal and state governments to comprehensively protect freedom of assembly in Germany,” said Zimmermann.