Authorities justify harsh tactic mobilized by law enforcement agents - Police actions by the state government justified as "painful holds" by authorities
In a recent development, the Thuringia Ministry of the Interior has come under scrutiny for the use of "pain techniques" by its police force during protests. These techniques involve applying pressure to sensitive body parts to cause a temporary relaxation of muscles, thereby releasing the grip of protesters on objects.
The Ministry has not addressed the criticism of these techniques by some lawyers, nor has it clarified if the use of pain techniques is considered inherently proportionate by the state government. Furthermore, there are no publicly available details about the exact circumstances in which these techniques have been used in the past or plans for their use in the future.
The Left party faction in the state parliament has raised questions about the use of these techniques, citing the critical views of some lawyers. The Ministry, however, has stated that pain techniques for several body regions are taught to police officers during their training. The justification for using these techniques must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the Ministry supports their use by police in certain operations.
Examples of body regions where these techniques are taught include the nasal root, behind the ear, and the jaw. Police officers learn the basic effects of these techniques during their practical training as part of their education. The Ministry also stated that these techniques play a role in the further training of experienced police officers.
Notably, the Administrative Court in Berlin ruled that the use of a pain technique against an activist during a sit-in was not lawful in a specific situation. This ruling was in response to a demonstration by climate activists in Berlin in 2023, where the use of these techniques was first documented.
The state government defends the use of pain techniques, stating that they do not consider the use of these techniques inherently disproportionate. However, the Ministry did not comment on the use of these techniques at rallies or events outside of police operations.
The debate surrounding the use of pain techniques by police is a complex issue, with both supporters and critics voicing their opinions. As more information becomes available, it is crucial to continue this dialogue and ensure the safety and rights of all parties involved in protests and police operations.
