2024-09-17 14:20:24
In response to a formal request made by the Ministry of Justice and Law in April this year, The Attorney General’s Office has issued Directive 0001 of 2024, which establishes guidelines for prosecutors and investigators on the treatment of crimes linked to peaceful social protest and its possible excesses.
The document sets out key principles to protect the constitutional right to protest, while defining the legal responsibilities of those who engage in violent actions. during the protests. The regulations are based on the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of Justice, the Constitutional Court, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and United Nations guidelines.
Protection of rights and duties in social protest
Directive 0001 seeks to ensure that those who participate in peaceful social protests can exercise their right under a clear and fair legal framework.. The obligations of officials in charge of investigating events related to demonstrations are also detailed, emphasizing the need to act without prejudice or discrimination. In this regard, special protection is granted to human rights defenders and journalists, who are key players in covering demonstrations.
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Delimitation of punishable conduct
The text also defines precisely what criminal acts may occur in the context of a protest. These include obstruction of roads, disruption of public transport services, violence against public servants, damage to property and rioting. The Prosecutor’s Office clarifies the forms of participation in these crimes, differentiating between co-authorship and conspiracy to commit a crime.
Research without violating rights
One of the main objectives of the Prosecutor’s Office, through this directive, is to guarantee rigorous investigations in accordance with the principles of due process. due diligence and proper collection of evidence. In this way, the aim is to carry out solid, respectful and democratic procedures, in line with the commitment to build peaceful routes to expose the differences in the country.
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