OSCE Office trains Azerbaijani police in dealing with public assemblies

BAKU, 13 December 2005 - The OSCE Office in Baku organized a week-long training programme on proper police tactics during public demonstrations, which ended today. The event was attended by over 50 representatives of Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies and government offices.

"The events of 26 November, when opposition supporters were dispersed with the use of excessive force by Azerbaijan's security forces, once again demonstrated that the police and security forces are not adequately prepared for such situations," said Ambassador Maurizio Pavesi, the Head of the OSCE Office.

The officers were taught best practices on freedom of assembly and received certificates from the OSCE Office in recognition of their participation.

The event also provided an opportunity for the law enforcement personnel to apply theoretical knowledge from previous seminars on crowd control issues .

Expert police trainers from Germany gave an overview of international principles in upholding freedom of assembly, and the role of state courts during demonstrations.

Practical issues addressed were the application of de-escalation tactics to eliminate tensions during demonstrations, detention using 'snatch squad' techniques applying minimal force, and police tactics during 'sit-in' demonstrations.

Participants included representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the General Prosecutor's Office and local executive authorities. The event concluded with a practical demonstration of newly acquired skills by the Interior Ministry's Internal Troops.