Amid Missouri protests, Ban urges restraint, respect for right to peaceful assembly

As protests intensify over the killing of an American teenager in Missouri, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged all parties to exercise restraint and for authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly.

According to Mr. Ban’s spokesperson, the UN chief is aware that United States federal authorities have announced an investigation into the killing by police of 18-year-old Michael Brown. The Secretary-General hopes local and federal investigations will “shed full light on the killing and that justice will be done.”

According to media reports, the unarmed black teen was shot by a white police officer on 9 August. The incident has sparked mass demonstrations in Ferguson, Missouri, reportedly drawing criticism of the way local authorities have handled the situation.

Mr. Ban called on authorities to ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are protected. He also called on all to exercise restraint and for law enforcement officials to abide by “US and international standards in dealing with demonstrations.”