United Nations independent expert Maina Kiai underscored that some proposed changes to the law on demonstrations in the canton of Geneva, Switzerland, would “unduly restrict the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, which are core in any democracy.” A number of proposed changes, introduced by the new law are problematic, according to the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. The proposed changes will be put to a cantonal referendum this weekend, on Sunday 11 March. The new law provides for a fine of up to 100,000 Swiss francs (approximately US$110,000) for anyone who, inter alia, does not request an authorization to demonstrate; does not respect the content of the authorization; or does not comply with police injunctions. “Such an amount is disproportionate, and would have a chilling effect on the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of expression,” Mr. Kiai said. “The exercise of fundamental freedoms should not be subject to a previous authorization by the authorities,” the expert stressed, noting that such a provision excludes the possibility of holding spontaneous assemblies as it requires a previous authorization to hold a peaceful assembly. The proposed changes to the law on demonstrations... Continue reading →
