Amnesty International understands that the crowd was not given any warning that the police were about to open fire. Photographic evidence shows victims with bullet wounds to the abdomen, waist and head, but allegations that the %u201Cspecial party personnel%u201D shot at protestors with AK-47 assault rifles have been denied by the Andhra Pradesh authorities.
Amnesty International reminds the Andhra Pradesh authorities that they are bound under international law to respect the right to life in all circumstances. In this context, the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials provide strict guidance on the use of force in crowd control situations. In particular Principle 5 of the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials clearly state whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, officers shall:
