Council of Europe: Poland’s law on use of weapons at the border contradicts international legislation

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty criticised a law passed in Poland that simplifies the rules for the use of weapons by security forces, including when guarding the border, the website of the Council of Europe reports

A recently adopted Polish law exempts from criminal liability certain categories of state agents deployed in border areas who, under certain conditions and in situations of urgency, use direct force or firearms in violation of the applicable rules, or who authorise such use by others.

Michael O'Flaherty considers it ‘to be at variance with international law and Council of Europe standards, especially the requirements of Articles 2 (right to life) and 3 (prohibition of torture and ill-treatment) of the European Convention on Human Rights’. As noted, he regrets that the law has entered into force and recommends its repeal.