Official harassment

Bureaucratic harassment of citizens
Harassment by tax authorities

Nature

Official harassment refers to the systematic use of authority by government officials or institutions to intimidate, oppress, or discriminate against individuals or groups. This problem often manifests through arbitrary arrests, excessive surveillance, bureaucratic obstacles, or legal actions intended to silence dissent or punish opposition. Official harassment undermines civil liberties, erodes public trust in institutions, and can stifle freedom of expression, assembly, and association. It is recognized as a significant barrier to human rights and democratic governance, often targeting activists, journalists, minorities, or political opponents, thereby perpetuating injustice and social inequality within affected societies.

Background

Official harassment has drawn international concern since the mid-20th century, as reports of state authorities targeting individuals and groups for political, religious, or social reasons surfaced in human rights forums. The phenomenon gained prominence with the documentation of abuses by organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, highlighting its prevalence across diverse regimes. Increased global communication and advocacy have since deepened understanding of its systemic nature and the challenges in ensuring accountability.

Incidence

In 1993 the Internal Revenue Service of the USA made an out of court settlement of $500,000 in recognition of undue harassment of a single taxpayer.

Claim

Official harassment is a grave and urgent problem that undermines justice, erodes public trust, and destroys lives. When authorities misuse their power to intimidate, silence, or punish individuals, it signals a dangerous breakdown of democracy and accountability. Such abuse cannot be tolerated in any society that values human rights and fairness. Addressing official harassment must be a top priority to protect citizens and preserve the integrity of our institutions.

Counter-claim

Official harassment is vastly overstated as a societal issue. Most government officials and authorities act within the law, and claims of widespread harassment are often exaggerated or based on isolated incidents. Resources and attention should be focused on more pressing problems that affect larger segments of the population. Elevating official harassment as a major concern distracts from real issues and undermines trust in institutions that are essential for maintaining order and public safety.