Violent Protests in Ferguson Provoked by Social Frustration Among US Population - Expert

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The demonstrations in Ferguson were fueled by the social frustration among the African-Americans, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers based in Brussels, Willy Fautre told RIA Novosti.

WASHINGTON, August 22 (RIA Novosti) - The demonstrations in Ferguson were fueled by the social frustration among the African-Americans, director of Human Rights Without Frontiers based in Brussels, Willy Fautre told RIA Novosti.

"In the case of the US, poverty, discrimination based on race, unemployment, inadequate housing, unequal access to education are at the main roots of the social frustration among the black Americans that has suddenly exploded on the occasion of the killing of an unarmed young black boy by a white police officer," Fautre told RIA Novosti.

"The Ferguson events indicate that no democracy is immune from excessive use of force by the law enforcement authorities and from outbreaks of violence," Fautre said, noting that the United Kingdom, France, Belgium and other EU countries have experienced such violent social protest movements.

Fautre warned about dire consequences of such protests.

"Arab Spring revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and other Middle East countries started from an apparently minor incident but then spread like fire all over the concerned countries," he explained. "In Ferguson, it is not a minor incident and nobody can predict the damage that it will cause in society even if law and order are restored in the short term."

Fautre blamed US President Obama for being too slow in reacting to the situation and the ensuing violence by police and demonstrators.

"Obama has always felt uncomfortable with the “racial issue,” Fautre asserted. “Obama must take a strong stance, not only in words but also in action."

HRWF has also called on an independent investigation into the incident.

"A prompt and independent investigation into the shooting of the teenager with OSCE observers must be carried out and the police officer who is responsible for his death must be prosecuted if it is proven he reacted inappropriately," Fautre stated. "Obama should make the trip to Ferguson, personally visit the family of the victim and promise them justice will be done."

Besides, the organization urged to conduct an inquiry about racist attitudes in the police nationwide.

"A wide-ranging review of all trainings and policies concerning the management of social protests in Ferguson and around the country must also be undertaken without delay," Fautre concluded.

Ferguson has witnessed more than a week of often violent demonstrations following the shooting of an unarmed African-American teen Michael Brown by the police officer.

The situation in Ferguson has once again brought up the issues of racial discrimination, human rights violations as well as the increased militarization of law enforcement. Law enforcers have been criticized for bringing military tactics to civilian protests, toting assault rifles and using tear gas, rubber bullets and other heavy-handed measures.

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