Police fire teargas in the MTR station at Kwai Fong on 11 August, 2019, Hong Kong. Credit: Gonzales Photo/Alamy Live News
THE USE OF SPRAYS WAS CLEARLY UNNECESSARY AND
DISPROPORTIONATE AS THE MAN POSED NO THREAT AND
IN FACT BEHAVED PASSIVELY THROUGH THE WHOLE ORDEAL.
2.1.2 KINETIC IMPACT PROJECTILES/DEVICES
The misuse of various types of kinetic impact projectiles, commonly known as rubber bullets and
kinetic impact devices, such as batons and truncheons, in the policing of public assembly has been
widely documented. Some instances may amount to torture or other ill-treatment.
OCULAR TRAUMA
In Chile from 18 October to 30 November 2019, security forces harshly confronted protestors across
the country. Of particular concern was the reckless use of a variety of kinetic impact projectiles, which,
according to the Human Rights National Institute (INDH), caused at least 347 cases of ocular trauma.33
One type of ammunition, the locally produced TEC Harseim, whose design made the projectiles heavier
and denser than standard “less lethal” ammunition, and which were fired as highly inaccurate multiple
projectiles (12 per cartridge), was eventually withdrawn from use as a result of the injuries.
33 Amnesty International, Eyes on Chile: Police violence and command responsibility during the period of social unrest, (Index: AMR
22/3182/2020)
ENDING THE TORTURE TRADE THE PATH TO GLOBAL CONTROLS ON THE ‘TOOLS OF TORTURE’
Amnesty International | Omega Research Foundation
17
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