426_48 substantive_scope 48. The right to freedom of assembly is a fundamental right in a democratic society and, like the right to freedom of expression, is one of the foundations of such a society. Accordingly, States must not only safeguard the right to assemble peacefully but must also refrain from applying unreasonable indirect restrictions upon that right. In view of the essential nature of freedom of assembly and its close relationship with democracy, there must be convincing and compelling reasons to justify an interference with this right (see Adalı v. Turkey, no. 38187/97, § 267, 31 March 2005; Ouranio Toxo, cited above, § 36; and Emin Huseynov v. Azerbaijan, no. 59135/09, § 97, 7 May 2015).BERKMAN v. RUSSIA JUDGMENT