Belgian police announce strike over use of tasers

Belgian police announce strike over use of tasers
February 27, 2017 - 15:33 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Belgian police said on Monday, February 27 they would go on strike because part of the force will be given tasers for a trial period without proper guidance for their use, Reuters reports.

The interior ministry had announced a trial period for the weapons at some police districts to assess whether they should become a standard tool for Belgian law enforcement.

"As there is no legal framework, the police officer is individually responsible for using this new weapon," police union VSOA said in a statement. "(The ministry) has also forgotten to carry out a mandatory risk analysis which is necessary when introducing a new weapon," it added.

The union announced a strike but did not specify when it would start or which areas would be affected.

Tasers, used by police officers around the world, have been criticized by advocacy groups like Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union, which argue they can be lethal and have called for more stringent rules on their use.

Photo: Reuters
Related links:
Reuters. Belgian police announce strike over use of tasers
 Top stories
Azerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensiveAzerbaijan admits death of 192 soldiers in Karabakh offensive
Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive.
Azerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 millionAzerbaijan increasing defense spending for 2023 by $650 million
In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million).
Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as Moscow could recognize those who speak Russian as "compatriots"
The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".
Magnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in IranMagnitude 5.6 quake causes damages in Iran
The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.
Partner news
 Articles
Compassion is key, no matter what

An Italian photojournalist’s journey through the pandemic

 Most popular in the section
Global toll of mysterious hepatitis in children rises to 650 cases
Monkeypox does not pose a Covid-style risk, top health execs say
Sinjar becomes latest flashpoint for Iran-Turkey tensions in Iraq
Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll passes 15,000
Home
All news
Overview: World
Archive for February 27, 2017
Other news in this section
 Latest news
Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements.
Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of Armenia
Henrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan.
---