The Helsinki Foundation warns that an anti-designer drug campaign launched by the Polish government may be unlawful.

“We are concerned about the statements of the state authorities, which suggest that life and health hazards resulting from the trade of designer drugs can justify law infringement,” wrote the Helsinki Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dealing in human rights.

“Such statements delivered by the head of government create an atmosphere of serious threat and can be treated as an incentive to take actions which are contrary to the law. Only a state of emergency justifies the use of exceptional measures, which deeply interfere with certain rights and civil liberties. Apart from such cases, the state authorities must act in accordance with the law,” the Helsinki Foundation maintains.

The organisation points out that in this case no immediate risk occurred because designer drugs have been on the Polish market for two years and the government had time to act. The Helsinki Foundation also criticises the Chief Sanitary Inspector for making a few mistakes while ordering to close down designer drug shops.

The letters from the inspector did not include an addressee, for example, which may give designer drug dealers grounds to claim damages. The Foundation also quotes the Prime Minister saying that “the Chief Sanitary Inspector’s actions were meant to provoke designer drug dealers,” and asks whether state authorities can set a trap for its citizens. (mg/jb)

Source: Gazeta Wyborcza