The dangerous truth about “non -lethal” weapons used against Los Angeles demonstrators

Based on the Geneva conventions, the “recommendations” for the application of kinetic bullets (such as model 1325) discourage the police from aiming to the faces of the protesters, as they could cause “skull fractures and brain damage, eye damage (including permanent blindness) and even death”. The use of kinetic bullets from a high area, as to a protest, can increase the risk that the demonstrators are affected in the head. The target of the bust can cause damage to the vital organs and provoke the penetration of the body, especially if shot at close range. The caliber and speed of the projectile, as well as the material from which they are made, will also influence the severity of the lesion.

In addition, the Geneva conventions specify the circumstances of the possible illegal uses of these weapons and establish the rules:

• Kinetic bullets should not be fired in automatic mode.
• The dismissal of multiple bullets at the same time does not respect the principles of necessity and proportionality.
• The impact of the bullets should be tested and authorized to ensure that they are quite accurate for a safe area without using excessive energy that could cause injuries.
• The weapons of kinetic ammunition should not be used to hit the face, face or neck.

“Less lethal”

The vast majority of the countries maintain the specific name of the models they use to discourage protests. Some governments, for example, record purchases based on generic designations, such as “40 mm launchers”, without mentioning the brand or model, making the responsibility and verification of the illegal use of these devices difficult.

For example, in Mexico, the National Defense Secretariat launched Tender La-007000999-E818-2022 in November 2022 for the purchase of 70,000 gas bullets 40 mm for a long time and short, together with ammunition of smoke and liquid marking, According to El Universal. The specifications do not show brands or models of the pitcher or manufacturers.

Only countries, such as Canada, include the brands and models of their “non -lethal” weapons. Similar registers do not exist in Mexico or Latin America.

The application of weapons such as Penn Arms GL-1 or the like, as well as defense technology 1325, is seen in social protests, often documented by Amnesty International, which accuses them of an offensive use against peaceful civilians. And, although advertised as “less lethal”, they can cause serious injuries and violations of human rights. In addition, the organization, in its 2023 report “My eye has exploded“He asks that the use of 40 mm gas or impact bullets against peaceful civilians are suspended.

According to an assessment of the National Human Rights Institute of Chile, the police actions during the protests started in October 2019 led to over 440 eye injuries, with over 30 cases of eye loss or eye breaking.

This story was originally published on WITCH EN ESPAñOL And it was translated by the Spaniard.