MOSCOW, October 24 (RIA Novosti) - Amnesty International has released a report Friday documenting human rights concerns and recommendations based on the organization's observations in Ferguson, Missouri, during protests surrounding the Michael Brown shooting on August 14-22.
"What Amnesty International witnessed in Missouri on the ground this summer underscored that human rights abuses do not just happen across borders and oceans," Amnesty International US executive director Steven W. Hawkins was quoted as saying in a press release.
"No matter where you live in the world, everyone is entitled to the same basic rights as a human being – and one of those rights is the freedom to peacefully protest. Standing on W. Florissant Avenue with my colleagues, I saw a police force, armed to the teeth, with military-grade weapons. I saw a crowd that included the elderly and young children fighting the effects of tear gas. There must be accountability and systemic change that follows this excessive force," Hawkins added.
A delegation from the organization was sent to Ferguson after the death of African-American teenager Michael Brown on August 9 following a confrontation with Darren Wilson, a white police officer. Although the report admits details of the incident remain uncertain due to conflicting accounts, the delegation urges the state amend the statute that allows the use of lethal force by police. The incident has sparked discussions on racism and policing practices in the United States as the protests have brought awareness to the issues.
The report highlighted the mistreatment of journalists during protests and noted the vast majority of those taking part in demonstrations were peaceful. State officials and law enforcement agencies, however, reacted with unnecessary violence and escalated the situation, according to the human rights organization.
"Between August 13 and October 2, at least 19 journalists and members of the media were arrested by law enforcement while others were subjected to tear gas and the use of rubber bullets. Reporters for CNN, Al Jazeera America and other outlets report being harassed or physically threatened. Likewise, legal and human rights observers have also faced arrest for carrying out their roles," Amnesty International said.
The delegation advised the Department of Justice (DOJ) carry out an "independent, transparent, and impartial" investigation into the death of Brown in addition to a nationwide review of police tactics and practices. The report also calls for the publication of police shooting data and urges the US Congress pass the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act in an effort to prevent a repeat of the police's heavy-handed approach to managing public protests.
