“Children’s safety is a non-negotiable responsibility and must never be used for any purpose. The State Police have a legal duty to maintain public order and safety, with particular care taken to protect minors. However, this responsibility rests first and foremost with parents and legal guardians,” the statement said.

The State Police has renewed its appeal to parents, urging them to know where their children are and not to allow them to be exposed to violence or situations that put their lives and health at risk.
“If your child is absent from school, find out where they are. No child should be caught amid stones, pyrotechnic devices and tear gas,” the statement added.

At the same time, the State Police expressed deep concern over suspected cases of minors being placed at the forefront of clashes, exposing them to danger for specific purposes.
“Using children as shields for acts of violence is not an exercise of the right to protest. It is unacceptable behaviour that endangers their safety and violates their rights,” the police said.

According to the police, any suspected case of inciting, organising or exploiting minors to engage in unlawful acts will be documented and referred to the competent authorities in accordance with the law.
The State Police respects and upholds the right to peaceful protest, including the rights of minors, but will take all necessary and proportionate measures to protect their lives and safety.

“Children are not anyone’s shields and must not be turned into instruments of confrontation for particular purposes. No cause is worth more than a child’s life and safety,” the statement said.
The State Police called on all those taking part in demonstrations to immediately distance themselves from masked and violent individuals and not to become involved in acts of violence or destruction.
“Stop the violence against police officers, institutions and public and private property! Every act of violence puts citizens’ lives and health at risk, particularly those of children and minors. The right to protest must be exercised peacefully and cannot be used to justify violence and destruction,” the statement concluded.

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