European Commission advocates right to demonstration, condemns violence

A The European Commission has today argued that the right to peaceful demonstration is a ‘fundamental right’ in the European Union (EU), but it has considered that fires, looting and attacks on people or buildings, as happened in France, are unacceptable.

“From our point of view, in relation to what has happened in recent days, the right to peaceful demonstration is a fundamental right in all democratic countries and must be protected,” said the spokesman of the Community’s Internal Affairs Executive, Markus Lammert.

Questioned at the press conference of the institution in Brussels on the demonstrations held in recent days in several EU cities – such as Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Paris and other French cities – the person responsible added that “people who manifest themselves peacefully should not be confused with those who commit acts of violence”.

“ Criminal fires, looting and attacks on people or public buildings are unacceptable,” Markus Lammert said, stressing that the European Commission “supports the efforts of the French authorities to protect people, goods and public institutions, while fully respecting fundamental rights.”.

“ It is up to the national authorities to deal with issues related to law enforcement and investigations are currently underway at national level,” he said.

Also questioned on the occasion about the role of digital platforms in the current situation, the spokesman of the community executive for the area of Disinformation, Thomas Regnier, highlighted the obligations provided for in the Digital Services Regulation regarding the fight against amplification of violence ‘online’ and incitement to violence.

“ First, the amplification of online violence and incitement to violence. All attempts in this sense, regardless of their origin, must be assessed and mitigated by online platforms. [...] Secondly, the very terms and conditions of the platforms and let us remember that, on all these platforms, the incitement to violence is prohibited by the respective terms and conditions ", cast.

In addition, “thirdly, cooperation with law enforcement authorities at national level is crucial in this context,” the spokesman added, saying that “another meeting will be scheduled with the French authorities today.”.

“ We will continue to monitor the situation from there and we are in close contact with these authorities,” concluded Thomas Regnier.

The European Commission is in contact with the French Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority, the coordinator of digital services in France.

Asked about the possible manipulation of information or misinformation during the protests, the person responsible indicated that “the main role lies primarily with the French authorities”.

“The Commission is of course ready to provide assistance and support to national authorities. That is precisely why these meetings are taking place and we will have a second meeting today,” Thomas Regnier said.

The statements arise in a context of demonstrations in various European cities, including Lisbon, Porto, where peaceful protests took place, and Paris and other French cities, in a setting of mobilization marked by different forms of contestation and different responses from the authorities.

In France, protests were accompanied by episodes of violence, including fires, looting, and attacks on people or public buildings, with more than 2,000 people arrested by Sunday.

In Paris, incidents included looting of businesses, acts of vandalism and confrontation with security forces.