#General Principles

1. **Definition and Purpose**:
- National security is recognized as a legitimate aim that can justify interference with the right to freedom of assembly under Article 11(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights (1_56, 1_57, 5_61, 5_91, 23_116, 26_105, 29_120, 30_106, 37_270, 54_70, 66_220, 70_124, 76_202, 76_203, 125_54, 181_76, 207_25, 301_23).
- The Court emphasizes that exceptions to freedom of assembly must be interpreted narrowly, and the definitions of these exceptions are necessarily restrictive (54_84, 134_60, 134_70, 134_72).

2. **Conditions for Justification**:
- Interference must be prescribed by law, genuinely aimed at protecting national security, necessary in a democratic society, and proportionate to the threat posed (1_101, 54_84, 70_124, 312_50, 371_46).
- Contracting States enjoy a wide margin of appreciation in their choice of means to attain a legitimate aim, including national security (70_124, 166_17, 166_65).

3. **Evidence Requirement**:
- The Court requires that any interference based on national security must be substantiated with evidence. Arbitrary decisions without proper evidence are not justified (134_70, 134_72).

4. **Legitimate Aim**:
- The Court recognizes national security as a legitimate aim that can justify interference with the right to freedom of assembly under Article 11(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights. This includes preventing disorder and protecting the rights of others (125_54, 181_76).

5. **Dispersal of Demonstrations**:
- The Court acknowledges that the dispersal of demonstrations can be justified in the interests of national security, provided the actions are proportionate and pursue legitimate aims (312_50, 371_46).