EU Backs Peaceful Protests while Condemning Violence in France
(MENAFN) The European Commission on Monday reaffirmed the importance of protecting peaceful demonstrations while denouncing violence, arson, looting and assaults on individuals and public buildings amid continuing unrest in France.
"The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right in all democratic countries and must be protected," spokesperson Markus Lammert said during a midday briefing in Brussels.
Lammert characterized violence, arson, looting and attacks against people or public institutions as "unacceptable."
He said the EU backed French authorities in their efforts to safeguard citizens, property and public institutions, stressing that these measures must remain consistent with fundamental rights.
The spokesperson also noted that responsibility for maintaining law and order rested with national authorities, adding that investigations into the incidents were continuing within France.
Meanwhile, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier highlighted the obligations of online platforms to prevent their services and algorithms from being misused during the unrest. He pointed in particular to the risk of content that promotes or encourages violence being amplified online.
Citing the EU's Digital Services Act, Regnier said platforms were required to evaluate and reduce risks associated with efforts to disseminate or amplify violence online, irrespective of where such activity originated.
He added that the commission was maintaining close communication with French authorities and France's Digital Services Coordinator.
"The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right in all democratic countries and must be protected," spokesperson Markus Lammert said during a midday briefing in Brussels.
Lammert characterized violence, arson, looting and attacks against people or public institutions as "unacceptable."
He said the EU backed French authorities in their efforts to safeguard citizens, property and public institutions, stressing that these measures must remain consistent with fundamental rights.
The spokesperson also noted that responsibility for maintaining law and order rested with national authorities, adding that investigations into the incidents were continuing within France.
Meanwhile, European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier highlighted the obligations of online platforms to prevent their services and algorithms from being misused during the unrest. He pointed in particular to the risk of content that promotes or encourages violence being amplified online.
Citing the EU's Digital Services Act, Regnier said platforms were required to evaluate and reduce risks associated with efforts to disseminate or amplify violence online, irrespective of where such activity originated.
He added that the commission was maintaining close communication with French authorities and France's Digital Services Coordinator.
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