### Reorganized Text on the Scope and Applications of Article 11
#General Principles
1. **Fundamental Right in a Democratic Society**: The right to freedom of assembly is a fundamental right in a democratic society, akin to the right to freedom of expression. It covers both private meetings and public gatherings, including static meetings and public processions. This right can be exercised by individual participants as well as by those organizing the assembly, including corporate bodies (
126_35,
134_55,
183_39).
2. **Peaceful Nature of Assemblies**: The right to freedom of assembly under Article 11 is applicable as long as the assembly is peaceful. The Court has consistently emphasized that peaceful assemblies, even if they cause inconvenience or offense to others, fall within the scope of Article 11 (
100_127,
100_145,
101_185,
102_34,
105_45,
105_56,
108_88,
118_101,
120_76,
131_207,
158_40,
160_29,
180_155).
3. **Political and Social Issues**: Assemblies aimed at drawing attention to political and social issues, such as democratic reforms, free and fair elections, and police violence, are protected under Article 11 (
102_25,
105_55,
106_34,
117_6,
118_100,
120_75,
124_21,
124_57,
149_7,
149_12,
150_30,
152_34,
196_19,
196_27,
197_34).
4. **Religious Assemblies**: Religious assemblies, such as public services of worship, fall within the scope of Article 11 when they are subject to the same rules and limitations as other public assemblies (
113_15,
113_20,
114_30,
114_31,
114_32,
114_33,
114_34,
114_51,
114_52,
114_53,
114_54).
5. **Trade Union Activities**: Assemblies related to trade union activities are protected under Article 11 (
102_25,
106_34,
152_33,
197_34).
6. **Solo Demonstrations**: Solo demonstrations are also protected under Article 11, as they are considered a form of public expression of opinion (
180_154,
180_155).