Date: June 28, 2024
In a landmark ruling, the High Court has issued orders prohibiting the police from using brutal force against peaceful protesters. The decision follows an application by Lawyer Saitabao Ole Kanchory, who sought to protect protesters from excessive police actions.
Ole Kanchory’s petition called for a ban on the police’s use of brutal force, extra-judicial killings, illegal arrests, intimidation, torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, as well as other forms of violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Lady Justice Mugure Thande, who presided over the case, found the petition to be arguable and not frivolous, leading to her decisive ruling.
Justice Thande’s orders specifically bar the police from employing water cannons, teargas, live and rubber bullets, and other crude weapons to disperse protesters.
This ruling represents a significant step in upholding the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest without fear of violent repression.
The decision has been hailed by human rights advocates as a crucial victory for civil liberties and a reminder of the importance of the rule of law in safeguarding democratic principles.
As the nation responds to this ruling, it underscores the judiciary’s role in protecting citizens’ constitutional rights against excessive force and ensuring a peaceful means of expression.
