The Association of Retired Police Officers (SHPPL-2013) has reacted to the protests taking place in the country, expressing concern about the disproportionate use of force by the State Police against young people, high school students and minors.
Through a public statement, the Association has called on State Police leaders and officers to respect the law, show restraint and guarantee the rights of citizens during gatherings.
The reaction comes on the eve of the national protest announced for Saturday, October 24, where the Association calls on its members and citizens to unite in support of students and young people.
"No order, pressure or political interest can stand above the law! Any action outside the legal framework violates the rights of citizens and damages public trust in the State Police," the statement says.
The association has specifically addressed the Director General of the State Police, reminding him of his responsibility to guarantee the peaceful development of Saturday's protest.
"A national protest has been announced for Saturday, October 24. Your duty is to guarantee the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and protest, acting impartially and in accordance with the law," the Association emphasizes.
The statement underlines that citizens have the right to express their dissatisfaction, while the Police have the obligation to protect this right and not to obstruct it in an unlawful manner.
A direct message has also been conveyed to Police officers, who are asked not to identify uniformed authority with the use of force.
"Remember that the uniform you wear represents the law and responsibility to citizens. Your authority does not lie in the force you use, but in professionalism, self-control and respect for the law," it further states.
The association emphasizes that any potential violation should be treated seriously and legal responsibilities should be determined according to relevant procedures.
In conclusion, SHPPL-2013 calls on its members and citizens to participate peacefully in the October 24 protest, in support of students and youth.
"On Saturday, let us stand with students and youth, in support of the right to protest, of civic dignity and the rule of law. Let us unite with determination, responsibility and peacefully, for a society where the law is equal for all," the statement concludes.
"The police at the service of the citizen, not above the citizen!" is the closing message of the Association of Retired Police Officers.
Full reaction:
SHPPL – 2013
📢 CALL FOR CIVIC PARTICIPATION AND APPEAL TO THE STATE POLICE
The Association of Retired Police Officers (SHPPL-2013) is following with concern the recent developments in the country and expresses its opposition to any disproportionate use of force by state uniforms against young people, high school students, girls and minors.
The State Police has laws, regulations and protocols that it is obliged to implement with professionalism and impartiality. It is precisely these norms that guarantee public safety, protect the rights of citizens and ensure that the Police is at the service of the law and society.
No order, pressure or political interest can stand above the law!
Any action outside the legal framework violates the rights of citizens and damages public trust in the State Police.
For this reason, we call on the leaders of the State Police to exercise their legal responsibilities and guarantee that every officer acts with restraint, professionalism and full respect for human rights.
📢 A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO THE GENERAL DIRECTOR OF THE STATE POLICE!
A national protest has been announced for Saturday, October 24. Your task is to guarantee the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly and protest, acting impartially and in accordance with the law.
Citizens have the right to freely express their opinions and grievances. The police have an obligation to protect this right, not to unlawfully impede it.
Dear State Police officers!
Remember that the uniform you wear represents the law and responsibility to citizens. Your authority does not lie in the force you use, but in professionalism, self-control, and respect for the law.
Any violation must be treated seriously and any legal liability must be determined according to the relevant procedures.
✊ CALL TO ALL MEMBERS OF SHPPL-2013 AND CITIZENS!
On Saturday, let us stand with students and youth, in support of the right to protest, civic dignity, and the rule of law.
Let us unite with determination, responsibility and peacefully, for a society where the law is equal for all.
POLICE AT THE SERVICE OF THE CITIZEN, NOT ABOVE THE CITIZEN!
🇦🇱 SHPPL – 2013
For the law, for the citizen, for dignity!
