2. Only a duly authorized officer may order the dispersal of a peaceful protest. The decision to disperse should be taken as a last resort guided by the principles of necessity and proportionality. It should be ordered by a competent authority only if an imminent threat of violence outweighs the right to protest. 3. Dispersal should never be ordered due to non-compliance with prior notification requirements or failure to comply with other legitimate prior restrictions on protests. 4. As far as practicable, law enforcement officials should communicate and explain any orders to disperse to the protesters. The protesters must be given sufficient time to disperse before there is any recourse to coercive means. 5. An assembly that remains peaceful which nevertheless causes obstructions to the public, i.e. blocking public roads, may be dispersed only if the disturbance is severe and sustained. 6. Where an order to disperse is taken in conformity with domestic legislation, necessary force may be used. The Police must endeavour to use necessary force only against those individuals engaged in the violence as much as possible. Firearms must never be used to disperse an assembly. If it is strictly necessary to use firearms to confront an imminent threat of death or severe injury, the law enforcement may use them against targeted individuals. Those using force must be accountable for each instance of the use of force. 7. Where law enforcement officials have decided on the use of force or violence, the authorities must ensure that adequate medical facilities are available for the treatment of casualties. 8. Indiscriminate firing and the use of fully automatic firearms when policing an assembly are unlawful. 6