(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: BAN ON HYDE PARK RALLY INFRINGES RIGHTS OF FREE EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY ARTICLE 19, Global Campaign for Free Expression, today wrote to Tessa Jowell urging her to reconsider the ban on holding an anti-war rally in Hyde Park, in February. The ban, issued to […]
(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) – The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
BAN ON HYDE PARK RALLY INFRINGES RIGHTS OF FREE EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY
ARTICLE 19, Global Campaign for Free Expression, today wrote to Tessa Jowell urging her to reconsider the ban on holding an anti-war rally in Hyde Park, in February. The ban, issued to protect the grass, is an illegitimate interference with constitutionally protected rights of free assembly and expression.
The rights to free expression and peaceful protest are recognised as fundamental in a democracy and may be restricted only when there are real and justified concerns, for example of impending public unrest or violence.
Having recently enacted human rights legislation, and as a country that actively promotes adherence to international standards in its international policies, it is the UK Government’s duty to uphold its commitment to human rights protection.
Andrew Puddephatt, ARTICLE 19’s Executive Director, said today:
“The impending protest relates to matters of grave national and international importance and Hyde Park is the only place in Central London where it could safely be held. To ban such an important rally on grounds of protecting the grass would be a disproportionate response to a minor concern
and constitute a violation of fundamental rights.”
Note:
1. About 500,000 people were expected to attend the February 15 rally in Hyde Park to demonstrate against war on Iraq. A ban was issued by Tessa Jowell, Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, after the Royal Parks Authority raised concerns.
