POLICY OPTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF ASSEMBLY POLICING MANAGEMENT IN MOLDOVA[EN]
MODALITĂŢI DE ÎMBUNĂTĂŢIRE A GESTIONĂRII ORDINII PUBLICE A ÎNTRUNIRILOR ÎN MOLDOVA[RO]
Способы совершенствования обеспечения общественного порядка во время проведения собраний в Молдове[RU]
Policy options for improvement of assembly policing management in Moldova
Freedom of
assembly is at the core of the democratic foundation of the state. Freedom of
assembly rights together with the freedom of expression rights are the most
publicly visible rights exercised in the society. Media and the society
frequently judge on the state of democracy based on the respect for and the
exercise of these rights. Governments’ image is considerably affected if it
fails to enforce freedom of assembly rights.
Monitoring
reports, studies and expert opinions indicate that Moldova, since it adopted
the new law on assembly in April 2008, has improved its state of the freedom of
expression. The number of assemblies has increased almost threefold; citizens have
slowly started to build more confidence and self-awareness in expressing
themselves in public.
The exercise
of the freedom of assembly rights could still be improved, as there have been
cases when assembly rights were violated. Assembly rights violations result
from unjust police interference and abstention of police when aggressive third
parties threaten or prevent assembly organizers from exercising their assembly
rights. Apart from the aforementioned shortcomings, the local public
administration also fails to adequately perform its duties.
This study
has been commissioned to help understanding the exact nature of the causes of
the police failing to facilitate and protect assemblies, as well as to protect
and maintain public order during assemblies. The presented conclusions and
recommendations are prompted from several recent authoritative opinions issued
by internationally specialized bodies. They provide a general framework for a
deeper look at the public order management practice during assemblies.
