WASHINGTON (AP) " A United Nations human rights expert is recommending changes in the way protests are handled in the United States, saying the process of issuing permits for demonstrations is "arbitrary" and could easily lead to discrimination against certain groups. "It is not only a right of the violation of peaceful assembly, but it is dangerous to participants, the general public and to police officers." The United States "has these time, place and manner restrictions that have been authorized by courts and authorities" where protests are concerned, he said, "and these will not necessarily conform with international law." The first issue Kiai addressed involved permits and other requirements set by the government in order to protest. "When you require permits, when you require permission, then you turn the right into a privilege," Kiai said.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 27, 2016 21:56 UTC