Ending Unjustified Force: Authorities Urged to Cease Excessive Use of Force Practices

Rights Group Condemns Violence and Restrictions on Press During Lima Protests

Published: October 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM GMT

An international human rights organization has voiced grave concerns over recent events in Lima, Peru, following clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials. The organization is calling for a full examination into the death of a civilian and alleged excessive force used against demonstrators and journalists.

Fatal Shooting and Widespread Injuries

Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz Sanz, aged 32, tragically lost his life due to a gunshot wound sustained during social protests in Lima, according to reports from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The organization is demanding a comprehensive and unbiased inquiry to hold those responsible for his death accountable, adhering to established international human rights principles.

Moreover, the group expressed regret over reports of numerous injuries among protesters, bystanders, and police personnel. They strongly condemned the apparent disproportionate use of force by police during the suppression of demonstrations, labeling all acts of violence as unacceptable.

Press Freedom Under Threat

The safety of journalists covering the unrest has also become a central concern. Peru’s National Association of Journalists (ANP) documented at least 11 attacks on media workers reporting from the capital. Six journalists sustained injuries, reportedly from pellet wounds. This pattern, if verified, could represent a disturbing trend of unlawful state force directed against the press, who play a vital role in informing the public during times of social upheaval.

Did You Know? According to the Committee to Protect Journalists,2023 saw a critically important rise in attacks against journalists worldwide,highlighting the growing dangers faced by those reporting from conflict zones and protests. Source: Committee to Protect Journalists

Allegations of Excessive Force and Response Protocols

The organization has verified instances of police employing pellets, deploying tear gas, and physically assaulting individuals unnecessarily and disproportionately. These actions, they assert, violate established international human rights standards. Concurrent outbreaks of violence, where protesters allegedly confronted law enforcement, underscore the urgent need for the state to implement response protocols that prioritize de-escalation, mediation, and the safeguarding of fundamental rights.

The Right to Peaceful Assembly

The organization reiterated that the peaceful character of a protest should not be diminished by isolated incidents or the actions of a few individuals. Law enforcement’s duty lies in identifying and addressing specific instances of violence while consistently upholding and protecting the human rights of peaceful protesters.

Pro Tip: When participating in or reporting on protests, familiarize yourself with your rights and local laws regarding assembly and freedom of expression.

Call for Dialog and Respect for Rights

In the context of the ongoing social and political crisis in Peru, the organization urged authorities to heed the demands of the population, refraining from delegitimizing them through dismissive or inflammatory statements. the right to peaceful protest must be unequivocally guaranteed without limitation, and the suppression of social demonstrations must cease promptly.

Understanding the Importance of Protest and Press Freedom

Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic societies, providing citizens with a vital mechanism to voice their concerns and hold their governments accountable. Independent journalism is equally critical,ensuring openness and providing the public with the details necessary to make informed decisions. Restrictions on either of these freedoms erode the foundations of a healthy democracy.Source: United Nations Human Rights Office

Right	International Standard
Freedom of Assembly	Article 20, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Freedom of Expression	Article 19, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Prohibition of Torture	Article 5, Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Frequently Asked Questions About Protests and human Rights

• What is the role of international organizations in monitoring protests? International organizations like Amnesty International provide independent observation and advocacy to ensure human rights are respected during protests.
• What constitutes disproportionate use of force by police? Disproportionate force occurs when the level of force used by law enforcement exceeds what is necessary and reasonable in a given situation.
• How can journalists protect themselves while covering protests? Journalists should wear visible identification, be aware of their surroundings, and have an evacuation plan in place.
• What rights do peaceful protesters have? Peaceful protesters have the right to assemble, express their views, and be free from arbitrary arrest or violence.
• What legal recourse is available to victims of police brutality during protests? Victims of police brutality may have legal recourse through civil lawsuits or criminal complaints.

What are your thoughts on the balance between maintaining order and protecting the right to protest? share your perspective in the comments below!

How can inconsistencies in police training and policy interpretation contribute to instances of excessive force?

Understanding Excessive Force & Police Brutality

Excessive force, often manifesting as police brutality, represents a critical violation of human rights and erodes public trust in law enforcement.It’s defined as any force used by an authority figure that exceeds the force reasonably necessary to accomplish a legitimate law enforcement purpose.This isn’t simply about physical harm; it encompasses psychological trauma and the disproportionate targeting of specific communities. Key terms often searched alongside this include “police misconduct,” “use of force continuum,” and “civil rights violations.”

Defining Reasonable Force: A Complex Landscape

Determining what constitutes “reasonable force” is inherently complex. Courts generally consider factors like:

* Severity of the crime: A minor infraction shouldn’t warrant a forceful response.

* Imminent threat: Was the officer, or another person, facing an immediate danger of death or serious bodily injury?

* Subject’s resistance: The level of force used shoudl be proportional to the resistance offered.

* Departmental policies: Each law enforcement agency should have clear guidelines on acceptable use of force.

However, inconsistencies in training, policy interpretation, and accountability mechanisms contribute to the ongoing problem of excessive force.the concept of “de-escalation techniques” is central to this discussion, aiming to resolve situations without resorting to physical intervention.

The Disproportionate impact on Marginalized Communities

Data consistently reveals that communities of color, notably Black and Brown individuals, are disproportionately affected by excessive force. this isn’t necessarily indicative of intentional bias in every instance, but rather reflects systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

* Racial profiling: The practise of targeting individuals based on race or ethnicity increases the likelihood of encounters with law enforcement, and consequently, potential for excessive force.

* Implicit bias: Unconscious prejudices can influence officers’ perceptions and reactions in high-pressure situations.

* Historical context: Generations of discriminatory practices have created a climate of distrust between law enforcement and marginalized communities.

Understanding these systemic factors is crucial for developing effective solutions.Related searches include “racial justice,” “systemic racism,” and “police accountability.”

De-escalation Training & Alternatives to Force

Investing in comprehensive de-escalation training for law enforcement officers is paramount. This training should focus on:

1. Communication skills: Active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention techniques.
2. Tactical patience: Slowing down situations and creating space for dialog.
3. Alternatives to lethal force: Utilizing tools like pepper spray, tasers, and physical restraints only when absolutely necessary and in accordance with policy.
4. Mental health awareness: Recognizing and responding appropriately to individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Beyond de-escalation, exploring alternative models of public safety, such as community policing and crisis intervention teams (CITs), can reduce reliance on traditional law enforcement responses. CITs, for example, pair officers with mental health professionals to respond to calls involving individuals in crisis.

Accountability & Transparency: Key to Building Trust

A lack of accountability is a major driver of excessive force. Effective mechanisms for addressing police misconduct are essential:

* Independent investigations: Investigations should be conducted by agencies independent of the police department to ensure impartiality.

* Body-worn cameras (BWCs): BWCs can provide valuable evidence, but policies governing their use (e.g., activation requirements, data storage) are critical. The debate around “police body cameras” and their effectiveness continues.

* Civilian review boards: These boards, composed of community members, can provide oversight and recommendations regarding police conduct.

* qualified immunity reform: Reforming or eliminating qualified immunity, which shields officers from liability in many cases, would make it easier to hold them accountable for misconduct.

* Data collection & analysis: Systematic collection and analysis of data on use of force incidents can identify patterns and inform policy changes.

Transparency is equally vital. Public access to data on police misconduct, disciplinary records, and use of force incidents fosters trust and allows for informed public debate.

Case Studies: Learning from Real-World Examples

* The Ferguson, Missouri protests (2014): The shooting of Michael Brown and the subsequent protests highlighted the deep-seated tensions between law enforcement and the Black community, and the need for police reform.

* The Baltimore Police Department consent decree (2017): Following the death of Freddie Gray, the Department of Justice entered into a consent decree with the Baltimore Police Department, requiring significant reforms to address systemic issues of excessive force and racial bias.

* Minneapolis Police Department after george Floyd (2020): The murder of George Floyd sparked global protests and led to calls for sweeping police reform, including changes to use of force policies and increased accountability measures.

These cases demonstrate the devastating consequences of excessive force and the urgent need for systemic change. Searching for “George Floyd case” or “Ferguson protests” will yield further data.

Benefits of Ending Excessive Force

Reducing excessive force yields numerous benefits:

* Improved community-police relations: Building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

* Reduced crime rates: When communities trust the police, they are more likely to cooperate