Talk by Paul Harris SC: The Right to Demonstrate

Paul Harris SC gave, on Tuesday 17 May, an interesting and exciting talk to students on the Right to Demonstrate.  Basing his explanation on the fundamental rights to free speech and to associate contained in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights, he explained – using examples from Hong Kong, Russia, Germany, the USA and the UK – how the right to demonstrate has to be seen as a fundamental right and a mechanism for vindicating the rights of minorities and the voiceless.  Students were fascinated to hear, in particular, of his experience in defending the rights of peaceful Falun Gong demonstrators in Hong Kong.  Prof bob Watt, the module leader in Constitutional and Administrative Law, in thanking Paul for his contribution to the module said that the University was privileged to welcome a speaker with Paul’s distinction and range of experience.