Amid Missouri protests, Ban urges restraint, respect for right to peaceful assembly
18 August 2014
As protests intensify over the killing of an American teenager in Missouri, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
today urged all parties to exercise restraint and for authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.
According to Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, the UN chief is aware that United States federal authorities have announced an
investigation into the killing by police of 18-year-old Michael Brown. The Secretary-General hopes local and federal
investigations will “shed full light on the killing and that justice will be done.”
According to media reports, the unarmed black teen was shot by a white police officer on 9 August. The incident has
sparked mass demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri, reportedly drawing criticism of the way local authorities have
handled the situation.
Mr. Ban called on authorities to ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are protected. He
also called on all to exercise restraint and for law enforcement officials to abide by “US and international standards
in dealing with demonstrations.”
ENDS