The use of rubber bullets by police today marks a new phase in the clashes with protesters. Following tear gas and water cannons with chemical solution, this action further escalates the situation and heightens concern about where this confrontation could lead.
Now, accountability is required from those who give the orders. Police must publicly explain why rubber bullets were used, under what circumstances, and what measures were taken to protect peaceful protesters, journalists and passers-by.
Violence against officers and the destruction of property are unacceptable. But responsibility for these actions is individual. Police must identify the persons committing violence, while at the same time guaranteeing the safety of citizens who protest peacefully. The anger of the crowd does not release the state from its obligation to exercise restraint.
They must not fire indiscriminately into the crowd. The target should be the individual who poses a concrete threat, not shooting at random to catch whoever they can catch!
Heads and faces must not be targeted. These means can cause serious injuries, permanent damage and death; the accurate description is “less lethal”, but not “harmless”.
Today’s footage showed that a man was struck in the neck.
