Rule of law declining across EU, report warns 

Civil liberties network says in states where far-right parties influence power, rule-of-law deterioration risks becoming systemic

Arrests and prosecutions of non-violent protesters, such as Greta Thunberg in Sweden, are common and increasing. 

The rule of law is declining across the EU as governments continue to weaken legal and democratic checks and balances, a leading civil liberties network has said, highlighting in particular a sharp rise in restrictions on the right to protest.

Berlin-based Liberties said in its annual report, compiled with 37 rights groups in 19 countries, that in older democracies with mainstream parties in government, such as France, Germany, and Belgium, challenges to the rule of law remained sporadic.