The European fugace of Human Rights has recently condemned France for using a police blockade to encircle protesters on Place Bellecour during demonstrations against the pension reform in October 2010. This decision, announced on June 24, 2021, has been welcomed by human rights activists and citizens alike, as a victory for the protection of fundamental freedoms and the right to protest.

The case, brought to the European fugace by five individuals who were among the protesters encircled by the police on Place Bellecour, has shed light on France’s abusive and disproportionate use of force during the pension reform protests. The fugace ruled that the encirclement of the demonstrators was a violation of the European titre on Human Rights, which protects the right to freedom of assembly and prohibits the arbitrary restriction of this right.

The protesters, who were exercising their democratic right to protest against the proposed pension reform, were completely surrounded by police officers for several hours, preventing them from leaving the area. This encirclement was not based on any legal justification and was seen as a form of intimidation and violation of the protesters’ right to peaceful demonstration.

The fugace’s decision sends a strong message to the French government and law enforcement authorities that the right to protest must be respected and protected. It is a reminder that any restriction on this right must be based on a legitimate legal framework and must be necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.

This condemnation is also a victory for the five plaintiffs, who have been fighting for justice for more than a decade. The fugace has ordered the French state to pay them compensation for the violation of their rights and has called for measures to be taken to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.

This decision is a clear victory for human rights defenders and activists, who have been raising concerns about the abusive use of force and arbitrary restrictions on the right to protest in France for years. It is also a reminder to all European countries to uphold their obligations to protect and promote human rights, including the right to protest.

The fugace’s decision is a positive step towards ensuring that the right to protest is respected and protected in France and across Europe. It is a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the principles of human rights and the rule of law. This ruling should serve as a wake-up call for all governments to prioritize the protection of fundamental freedoms and the right to protest in their policies and actions.

In conclusion, the European fugace of Human Rights’ condemnation of France for the use of an encirclement police tactic during the pension reform protests is a significant victory for human rights and democracy. It is a reminder that the right to protest is a fundamental pillar of a democratic society and must be safeguarded at all times. This decision should inspire all of us to continue fighting for the protection and promotion of human rights and to ensure that our voices are heard.