Unlawful assembly is an act made illegal in most countries and under international law. It is defined as the gathering of two or more people without the authorization of government authorities with the intent of committing a crime or participating in other illegal activities. Depending on the type of assembly, the law may define it as a public or private crime.
In countries that have laws banning unlawful assembly, violations are deemed serious and can lead to significant punishments. Penalties diversity from fines to lengthy prison sentences. International human rights instruments with criminal sanctions for unlawful assembly, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), also exist.
Examples of Unlawful Assembly
Common examples of unlawful assembly are riots, protests, or other large-scale gatherings where there is a risk of violence occurring. Often, these gatherings take on an atmosphere of civil disobedience when individuals are protesting in large numbers. A notable recent example of this was the Hong Kong protests of 2019-2020, which led to countless arrests for unlawful assembly.
Consequences of Unlawful Assembly
The unlawful nature of these gatherings means that local authorities respond with increased force and pressure to control and disperse the crowd. This can lead to scattered violence, causing harm to bystanders, or more serious events like destruction of property. The criminal consequences for participating in an unlawful assembly can be severe, and the legal repercussions are based on the perceived seriousness of the event.
Avoiding Unlawful Assembly
The simplest way to avoid a charge of unlawful assembly is not to participate in any large gathering deemed illegal by the authorities. In some countries, there may even be legal notice that such gatherings are prohibited. In addition, it is important to be aware of local laws and to comply with the instructions of law enforcement officers when present at a protest or large public demonstration.