There is a serious lack of transparency about the use of various types of equipment during policing of protests according to a report published today by Access Info Europe, following research conducted in 42 countries and territories across Europe by means of access to information requests. The research by the Madrid-based pro-transparency organisation aimed to get a comprehensive picture of the legal framework for, and the actual use of, different types of equipment – including batons, shields, tear gas, and rubber bullets. The troubling findings of this pan-European survey, which has revealed a huge lack of transparency from European police forces, point to a series of recommendations for the respective government bodies and police forces. The overarching recommendation is that all police forces should provide detailed and comprehensive information about police action during protests. It is only in this way that there can be true accountability of police forces and their preparation for and actions during protests. More information is available here.
[Access Info Europe]