Geneva: The United Nations Human Rights Office on Friday asked protesters and journalists in US cities, including Portland and Oregon, to be allowed to join peaceful demonstrations without the threat of arbitrary arrest, detention, and use of force or other forms of human rights abuses. Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that some peaceful protesters in Portland were detained by unknown officials.
Liz Throssell told reporters, “This is worrisome because it may keep detained people outside the protection of the law and promote arbitrary detention and other abuses of human rights.” He said that the victims should have the right to seek relief and they should be able to demand an inquiry into the violation of any right. President Donald Trump has sent federal agents to cities such as Portland, in a controversial move amid unrest over demonstrations demanding justice in the wake of George Floyd’s assassination in May.
The unrest in Portland has escalated after some federal agents were accused of lifting people into an unknown car for no reason. Two US surveillance agencies said Thursday that they have begun an investigation into the action of federal agents in Portland.
