HANDBOOK ON FACILITATING FREEDOM OF ASSEMBLY (2011)                                                                                                                                       

Author: Ralph Roche

ISBN   978-9975-53-049-1

Format:   21 x 15

No. of pages:   132

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INTRODUCTION

Policing demonstrations and other public manifestations is an extremely difficult and complicated challenge for the police. This handbook is intended to be of use to all police officers involved in the planning and execution of police operations related to all types of public assemblies, thus assisting the law enforcement authorities of Moldova in further improving their ability to respect, promote and fulfill the freedom of expression and association in Moldova.

The purpose of this handbook is to set out the Moldovan and international legal standards governing the role and obligations of the police in relation to demonstrations of all types. It also provides practical guidance on how to ensure that all relevant considerations are taken into account and that all decisions are recorded.

The subjects covered include obligations in relation to peaceful and violent demonstrations, treatment of detained persons, the rules governing the use of force, negotiation and crowd dynamics and balancing the rights of all persons affected by demonstrations (including police officers, demonstrators, counter-demonstrators, residents, etc.).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction ................................................................................................. 4

Principles of public order policing....................................................................... 9

Relevant provisions of international law.............................................................. 19

Relevant provisions of Moldovan law...................................................................45

Scenarios ......................................................................................................68

Appendixes:

            „A Pocket Book on Human Rights for the Police”

            Checklists for use by organisers of assemblies, local public administration   authorities and   the Ministry of Internal Affairs

            Codes of Ethics

            Procedural issues

            Planning for a public assembly – list of issues to be considered

            What is ethical and lawful policing in a democratic society?