LONDON: Britain’s human rights watchdog has urged ministers and police chiefs to avoid “heavy-handed” tactics when policing demonstrations over the war in Gaza, saying that such actions risk creating a “chilling effect” on the right to protest, it was reported on Friday.

EHRC calls for clearer guidance for officers to avoid creating a ‘chilling effect’ on freedom of expression

‘Blanket policing approach’ could have a ‘chilling effect’ on free speech rights, says EHRC chairman