Peaceful Assembly

Freedom of assembly is guaranteed by Article 54 of the Constitution, and regulated by Law 3/92 of April 6, 1992, which does not comply with international standards. For example, according to Article 6 of the law, organisers must communicate – through a letter – their intent to hold a meeting or a demonstration to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and to the police authorities at least four full days in advance. Moreover, Article 5 imposes unwarranted time restrictions for demonstrations which shall be organised only on Sundays, public holidays and on Saturdays, after 1 pm, and on weekdays after 7 pm. In 2016, many took to the streets to protest the nomination of a new Prime Minister, and security forces dispersed protestors using excessive force.