Congo-Brazzaville: Restraint needed as protesters clash with security forces
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 20 October 2015 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Congo-Brazzaville: Restraint needed as protesters clash with security forces, 20 October 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/562736ab4.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Security forces in the Republic of Congo must refrain from using excessive force against protesters, Amnesty International said today.
Five people are reported to have been killed among reports that the police used live ammunition against protesters who gathered to demonstrate against the proposed changes to the country's constitution ahead of Sunday's referendum.
"A heavy-handed response by security forces not only violates the protesters' rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, but may enflame an already tense situation."
Ilaria Allegrozzi, Amnesty International Central Africa researcher.
"The use of force and the deaths of protesters must be independently, impartially and effectively investigated and if there are grounds to suspect individuals of criminal responsibility they must be brought to justice."
Media freedom is also under threat with mobile Internet services, text messaging and the signal of some radio stations cut in Brazzaville.
"Shutting down communication networks and radio signals is a clear and unjustified attack on media freedom," said Ilaria Allegrozzi.
"Authorities must ensure that journalists are able to carry out their work without fear, free from intimidation and harassment."
