EE.UU.
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Strong Condemnation of the Disproportionate Use of Force Against Mr. William McNeil Jr.
We express our strongest condemnation following the public release of a video documenting the violent and unjustified arrest of Mr. William McNeil Jr., in which a police officer is clearly seen breaking the window of his vehicle, striking him in the face with an elbow, and forcibly removing him from the car, despite Mr. McNeil offering no resistance and calmly requesting the presence of a supervisor.
This incident constitutes not only an excessive and arbitrary use of force, but a grave violation of fundamental constitutional rights and international human rights law.
We invoke the following legal standards and obligations:
- The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures. The actions taken against Mr. McNeil were manifestly unreasonable and unconstitutional.
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)—ratified by the United States—states in Article 7 that “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.” The physical aggression displayed in this arrest clearly falls within this prohibited conduct.
- The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials affirm that law enforcement officers must use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty. In this case, the use of force was unnecessary, disproportionate, and abusive.
- Mr. McNeil’s request to speak to a supervisor was a legitimate invocation of his right to seek clarification and accountability from the officer. This right was ignored and met with aggression.
Therefore, we demand:
- The immediate identification and suspension of the officer involved, and the opening of an independent criminal and administrative investigation.
- Intervention by the U.S. Department of Justice and internal oversight mechanisms to ensure a thorough and impartial review.
- Full reparation and public apology to Mr. William McNeil Jr., including guarantees of non-repetition and appropriate psychological and legal support.
- Mandatory reform and reinforcement of police training in de-escalation techniques, emotional regulation, and adherence to international human rights standards.
No society governed by the rule of law can accept that a citizen exercising his rights is treated as a threat. Police brutality erodes public trust, violates the law, and endangers the very fabric of democracy.
The law is not optional. Human dignity is not negotiable.