Arid condemns police brutality |29 May 2020

The Association for Rights Information and Democracy has publicly condemned the recent act of police brutality and abuse of power.

In a press release dated May 27, 2020, the Association for Rights Information and Democracy (Arid) writes that it is calling on the commissioner of police to stand against the gross violation of the rights of citizens and to denounce such act, particularly the rights of women.

The press release reads:

“We have received complaints of police brutality especially during the lockdown period and the recent alleged case which was posted on social media about a young woman who was brutally abused by a member of the police force.

“Police brutality or police violence is legally defined as a civil rights violation where officers use unnecessary force against a civilian. This includes, but is not limited to, physical or verbal harassment, physical or mental injury, property damage, and death.
“We are disheartened by the news of police brutality and unlawful arrests committed by uniformed men who claim to be members of the police force, e.g. the recent news where a lady was accosted by police officers. This is inexcusable because the survivor of this attack, the victim was bullied by hefty man of the law. Such brutality by the police, who should be the custodians and upholders of the law, is nothing but an outright and total disregard for humanity and the law they claim to uphold. We do not consider this as an attack on one woman, rather, it is an attack on all women; this should be considered as violence against women (VAW), it is an attack on justice, and there must be consequences. Hats off to the responsible police officers who take their work seriously and know when to apply moderate forces.

“Arid calls on the commissioner of police to ensure justice is served to the letter and that the perpetrators of the assault on this lady are taken to tasks in accordance with the law.

“As human rights advocates, Arid is deeply concerned not only for the survivor of this incident but those of other cases reported recently and we stand on the side of all the victims of police brutality and abuse of power.”

Press release from Arid