Police Directorate on blockades by Zeta residents: Public gatherings must be reported

The Police Directorate announced that by failing to report gatherings and by occupying roadways on one's own accord citizens are violating the provisions of the Law on Public Assemblies and the Law on Road Traffic Safety, and that unannounced blockades directly endanger their own safety as well as the safety of other traffic participants, and infringe upon the rights and freedoms of other citizens.

- We remind that, pursuant to Article 60 of the Law on Road Traffic Safety, drivers are prohibited from stopping or parking vehicles at intersections, at a distance of less than five meters from the edge of a cross roadway, as well as on roads with physically separated carriageways, while, in accordance with Article 91 of the same Law, pedestrians are prohibited from suddenly stepping onto the roadway, as well as from moving or remaining on the roadway, except in cases prescribed by law - the police said.

They reiterated that the redirection and closure of road traffic may be carried out exclusively by the police, in accordance with the law and their legal authorities, and that such actions must under no circumstances be carried out by citizens on their own initiative.

- Having in mind the above, it is of utmost importance - primarily for the safety of the participants themselves - that such gatherings be reported and announced to the police in a timely manner in accordance with the law, so that police officers, acting within their powers, can ensure traffic and participant safety, as well as act preventively to avert any potential endangerment of public traffic and disturbance of public order and peace - the police stated.

They emphasized that any other behavior by organizers and participants of these protests, and the exclusion of the police as a partner - who could, through timely action, reduce the possibility of disturbances to public order and peace or threats to the safety of persons and traffic participants –put citizens' safety at risk and consequently raises the issue of the organizers’ responsibility should any incidents or unwanted consequences occur during such gatherings

- The Police Directorate, therefore, while respecting citizens’ right to peaceful assembly, reminds organizers and participants that in exercising their rights they may not restrict or endanger the rights of other citizens, and reiterates that reporting public gatherings is necessary for safety reasons. The Police Directorate will assess each request individually and, accordingly, undertake measures and actions depending on the situation on the ground - the police said.

They also stressed the importance of cooperation with the police and a partnership-based approach, so that all citizens can use public roads safely and peaceful gatherings can be held without risk to the safety and rights of others.