Across the European Union (EU), law enforcement officials are required to police demonstrations. However, their methods do not always comply with international standards. Amnesty International has documented incidents involving the use of excessive force, abuse of “less-lethal” weapons, obstructing access to medical assistance and arbitrary detention in several countries including Greece, Romania, and Spain. In many cases, officers have repeatedly hit peaceful demonstrators with batons, including on the head and neck, and caused serious injuries.

Despite calls on the authorities across the region, these violations persist.