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Are the police/military ever justified in shooting protesters? Under what circumstances?

Are the police/military ever justified in shooting protesters? Under what circumstances-example-1
User Mnuages
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1 Answer

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When are the police justified in shooting protestors:

  • If the protestors turn violent and start shooting ordinary civilians who are simply bystanders, then I believe that shooting those specific protestors is justified though that can quickly delve into messier situations
  • If the protestors attack the police and military, I would see a possible justification if the officers' lives are in danger though this is case by case. Sometimes at the moment, it is tough to tell whether you are in danger or not, and everything happens in a split second, so sometimes shooting might not be justified, but that can be controversial

When are the police not justified in shooting protestors:

  • If the protestors are peacefully protesting, the police and military should not shoot because they are not a danger to society
  • If they are slightly aggressive, the police should move in to warn them and deescalate the situation but shouldn't shoot until necessary.

Hope that helps!

User Bdumitriu
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