The United Nations High Commissioner Office for Human Rights (Ohchr) Thursday, urged the Angolan authorities to conduct rapid, in -depth and independent investigations on deaths as well as the reported use of excessive force during manifestations.
“” Uncorified images suggest that the security forces have used living ammunition and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, which underlines unnecessary and disproportionate use of force,Ohchr spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan said.
He added that if some demonstrators have used violence and looting, any force used by the authorities must comply with international human rights standards.
“” Anyone who may have been arbitrarily owned must be immediately released.“”
Quick climbing in the situation
The demonstrations began on Monday as a strike by taxi minibus drivers on an increase of a third of diesel prices, part of a government effort to reduce fuel grants. According to the media, the demonstrations quickly spread, becoming one of the most disturbing protest waves in Angola in recent years.
Government officials said that at least one police officer was one of the people killed. Nearly 200 people were said to have been injured and shops and vehicles were allegedly vandalized, mainly in the capital, Luanda.
Sporadic shots were also reported in some parts of the city earlier in the week, and the emergency services were exceeded. Many companies remained closed on Thursday and hospitals would have had trouble dealing with the number of victims.
Ensure the protection of rights
The OHCHR stressed that if the authorities are responsible for maintaining public order, they must do so in a way that protects human rights.
“” All demonstrators who descend into the street to express their opinions should do so peacefully,“Said Mr. Al-Kheetan. »»All human rights violations must be surveyed and those responsible.“”
The Office of Rights of the United Nations also reiterated the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms, including rights to life, expression and the Pacific Assembly, in any response to apply the law.
source link eu news
