"I am saddened by the images of the demonstrations in Hamburg. Freedom of assembly is one of the core rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights," said the Secretary General.
It is accepted by all 47 member states of the Council of Europe and must be protected by the authorities.
At the same time, demonstrators must show responsibility in exercising this right.
The majority of protestors in Hamburg have demonstrated peacefully, but a radical minority have caused much harm and disruption to the people of Hamburg.
The extreme violence we have seen is unacceptable and must stop. The safety and security of citizens should not be threatened. I call on those who take part in the demonstrations to act in a responsible way.
I expect that law enforcement officials will not use excessive force."
