ICE ACTIONS IN MINNESOTA MAY CONSTITUTE EXTRAJUDICIAL EXECUTIONS - UN

MOSCOW, Feb 12 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The actions of United States (US) authorities against protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, may constitute extrajudicial executions, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing UN experts.

"The use of lethal force by US immigration enforcement in Minneapolis may amount to arbitrary deprivation of life and other gross violations of international human rights law, and could constitute extrajudicial killing," a press release issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) read on Wednesday.

The experts expressed concern about "statements made by some senior officials characterising victims as ‘domestic terrorists’ and publicly asserting that the use of lethal force was necessary."

"Any loss of life in the context of law enforcement operations must be treated as a potentially unlawful death and raises urgent questions regarding compliance with international human rights law and standards governing the use of force. It must therefore be promptly and effectively investigated," the statement said.

The experts called on US authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible for unlawful killings and human rights violations, the statement added.

On January 24, a federal agent shot Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. The Department of Homeland Security said that a Border Patrol officer had opened fire on the man as he feared for his life. On January 7, an ICE agent shot a woman as a result of turmoil in the city. ICE activities have triggered massive protests across Minnesota.

On his inauguration day as the 47th president, President Trump vowed to halt illegal immigration immediately and initiate mass deportations from the US. He also declared a nationwide state of emergency to address the US border crisis.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI