Security and Human Rights Abuse at G20: Amnesty International

The "People First" protest in Toronto during the G20 summit has raised a lot of concern. The heavy police presence and extended ability of the forces to detain and arrest individuals has brought on criticism from human rights group Amnesty International.

This organization feels that the 1 billion dollars spent on security has led to a "chill" among the population and discouraged public protest. In this way, many people stayed home instead of exercising the right to free speech and assembly.

Several journalists were allegedly arrested for being present and covering the event, a further breach of free speech. One report says that a journalist was beaten while being detained.

"On the streets, protesters were faced with high fences, new weaponry, massive surveillance, and the intimidating impact of the overwhelming police presence," says Amnesty International. "Combined with uncertainty and worry about unclear powers of arrest, this created an atmosphere in which countless individuals felt unable or too fearful to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and assembly and participate in rallies and other events which would have offered them an opportunity to express their views on a range of important national and international issues."

While Amnesty acknowledges the need for police to protect the city from violent protestors, they condemn the arrest of over 800 peaceful or "legitimate" demonstrators.

Amnesty International recommends an independent investigation be launched by the government of Canada and the government of Ontario into the question of security. The group hopes that this will not set a precedent for further summits.