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What exactly is 'unreasonable' protest? It is said that democracies should be judged not by how they privilege majority opinion, but how they protect minority opinion. This notion is currently being tested to destruction by state responses to political protest in Europe, as the latest report by the human rights think tank Liberties confirms. In a world where so many are locked in algorithmically determined social media silos, activists increasingly feel they have to be disruptive simply to get attention. Unsurprisingly much of the public don't like this, although inconsistently. British juries regularly refuse to convict cause activists, and XR's first two week long large-scale climate occupations of central London in April 2019 were tolerated (grudgingly) by the government and even normally unsympathetic media outlets. However the Liberties report reveals that more and more governments, especially those on the right, are determined to get protestors off the streets and out of the way. They are imposing increasingly draconian restrictions, and threatening those who persist with jail time and pre-emptive arrests. Is this political theatre designed to warm up their bases, or do politicians seriously feel threatened by peaceful, albeit angry, crowds? Answers please on a postcard/email/social media post...

The other day, while walking to the shop, I noticed a torn protest poster in a subway beneath a busy main road in Bournemouth. It got me thinking about the language we use when discussing protests and how, whether we realise it or not, our words shape the way we perceive the topics and issues being protested. From news articles that portray climate protesters as a problem rather than talking about why they protest to the Farmers campaigning after the rise in tax after the budget, to the disability advocates whp fight each day for their badic human rights, just to name a few. In recent years, protests have become increasingly common across all sides of the political spectrum—left, right, and center. Yet, the conversations that follow these protests often seem to deepen divisions rather than seeking to bridge differences or find common ground. It's time to change this and listen. Yes challenge through debate but listen rather than just acting. Image Description: A photo of a torn Extinction Rebellion poster on a tiled wall.

Protesting is a civil right entitle to as a citizen! However, here are some safety measures to consider during and after a protest: *Before the Protest:* 1. *Stay informed*: Know the protest route, schedule, and any related events. 2. *Plan with a buddy*: Attend with a friend or group, and designate a meeting spot in case you get separated. 3. *Charge your phone*: Ensure your phone is fully charged, and consider bringing a portable charger. 4. *Wear comfortable shoes*: Dress for walking and potential crowd movement. 5. *Follow local guidance*: Pay attention to local authorities' instructions and advisories. *During the Protest:* 1. *Stay calm and aware*: Keep an eye on your surroundings, and be mindful of potential escape routes. 2. *Follow protest marshals*: Pay attention to designated leaders or marshals guiding the protest. 3. *Avoid confrontations*: Steer clear of counter-protesters or tense situations. 4. *Use peaceful tactics*: Avoid violence, property damage, or inflammatory behavior. 5. *Stay hydrated and energized*: Bring water and snacks to maintain your energy. *After the Protest:* 1. *Disperse calmly*: Gradually leave the area, avoiding sudden movements or gatherings. 2. *Be prepared for delays*: Plan for potential road closures or transportation disruptions. 3. *Debrief and reflect*: Share your experience with friends or family, and consider writing down your thoughts. 4. *Prioritize self-care*: Take care of your physical and emotional well-being after the event. 5. *Stay connected*: Check in with fellow protesters and friends to ensure everyone's safety. Remember, safety is a collective responsibility. By being mindful of these measures, you can help ensure a peaceful and successful protest.

The Nigerian Struggle: Protest, Citizen's Rights & The Constitution (Part 2) The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly and protest in: - Section 40: "Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests." Regarding Chapter Two, which deals with Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, it's not directly justiciable. This means that courts can't enforce these provisions, as they're more like guidelines for the government. However, there are moves to hold the government accountable apart from protests: 1. Litigation: Individuals or groups can sue the government for violating their rights or failing to implement Chapter Two provisions. 2. Petitions: Citizens can submit petitions to the National Assembly or state legislatures, requesting policy changes or investigations. 3. Advocacy: Engage in peaceful advocacy, like writing articles, using social media, or meeting with officials to push for change. 4. Voting: Exercise the power of the ballot by voting for representatives who share their concerns and values. 5. Public Interest Litigation: Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or individuals can bring lawsuits in the public interest to enforce constitutional provisions. 6. Constitutional amendments: Advocate for amendments to make Chapter Two provisions justiciable or strengthen the right to protest. 7. Engage with government agencies: Utilize channels like the National Human Rights Commission or the Public Complaints Commission to report grievances. 8. International mechanisms: If domestic avenues are exhausted, citizens can appeal to international bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Remember, a combination of these strategies can be more effective than relying on a single approach. However, the choice between waiting patiently and protesting valiantly depends on the citizen's assessment of the government's commitment to our welfare and the potential consequences of their actions. Will we choose to endure the present hardships in hopes of a better future, or will we take to the streets to demand change now? In conclusion, protesting is a fundamental right and a crucial aspect of democracy. While there are risks involved, the potential benefits of protesting, including policy changes and empowerment, make it a vital option for the Nigerian people to consider. The government should listen to the people's concerns and work towards addressing their needs, rather than suppressing their rights. I am Olugbenga George (O.G) Writing from Abuja Nigeria.

I don't mean it in disrespect to those genuinely agitating for 'whether to' or 'not to protest' I just find it funny and sad that every Tom dick and Harry with microphone or acclaimed influence comes around now to make statements in the name of speaking against or supporting protest, this just so to fulfill their selfish and/or satisfy their over bloated egos. While we have Individuals and groups using the situation to a greater cause through negotiations, dialogue and continuous push for protest, we also have groups cashing-out of the government desperation to calm nerves of the restless youths hellbent on protesting. And on the other side we also have others lurking around to push it all to anarchy and selfish-end for mostly political reasons. These group of opportunist, have seen avenue to exploit the tense situation to a selfish end. Many non-existent groups now receive money to voice out in name of not supporting the protest and we also have groups calling for protest even if the government bends to their demands. All in what I'm saying is, should you as an individual or group(s) speak in support of or against protest do well to gauge it through your conscience; That is it right? and to what greater end is my agitation driving at. These are trying times for us all. And every of the decisions we are to make should be deeply reflected upon. Let's not use the situation of the day to exact our pound of flesh just because we don't like the government of the day and Let's also not sell our conscience in exchange for materials things that are not worth it. _-Bako jnr

JSpaceCanada's article today July 10, 2024 Three interconnected things happened in rapid succession this week - The first was the cancellation by the Israeli police of a pro-peace, pro-hostage deal protest organized by peace activists in Israel, meant to take place yesterday in Tel Aviv. The second was the Knesset passing a resolution opposing Palestinian statehood, in which the only members of Knesset to vote against the resolution were Arab. The third is today's ruling from the International Court of Justice on the legality of Israeli's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, declaring Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories as "de facto annexation" and calling out Israel's "systematic failure" to prevent settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. These events are interconnected because they all illustrate just how far from liberal values of justice and democracy this current, and prior Israeli governments have shifted in the past almost two decades. Prior to October 7, during the pro-democracy protests in Israel, many, including us at times, critiqued the protest movement for focusing solely on Israel, and democracy for Jews within the Green Line only. The thinking at the time by protest leaders and supporters was that building a protest movement large enough to make change necessitated building a broad coalition of partners who agreed on the core demand of the movement itself. Both in Israel and the diaspora, those in power, be they the Israeli government or Jewish institutional leaders, have done a tremendous job at shielding their respective communities from the realities of the occupation, from which stem the anti-democratic shifts within the country. As Israeli polymath Yeshayahu Leibowitz stated in 1968, only a year after the Six-Day War, "a state ruling a hostile population of 1.5 to 2 million foreigners would necessarily become a secret-police state, with all that this implies for education, free speech, and democratic institutions." The question was, and remains, when the majority of the population has been expertly shielded from this reality, how do you bring them around to it without alienating them? And indeed, as the democracy protests acted with urgency against the judicial overhaul prior to October 7, the argument can be made that foregoing that historical context was in service of the more immediate goal. .......

SHOULD WE STOP THE PROTEST? While I appreciate the response of Mr. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the consequences of the protest to our Economy and the Renewed Hope Agenda of His administration. I must state that I am quite disappointed at the mannerism of the speech He delivered this morning (4/8/24).He requested for a dialogue with aggrieved youths who already have lost their lives, He should have sought for a dialogue way before the protest came but dialogued with religious leaders and traditional rulers from selected regions of our nation. I would have wanted him to go out on the street and show grievances on the looters of government properties, police officers arresting protesters and men of the press. I expected him to have made proper statements of hopes on when things will get better. It's against the constitutional rights of any citizen of this country to be denied the rights and privileges of expressing his or herself loudly and be heard. While men of the press are being arrested for covering the protest, all I see is a bridge of trust on the parts of the government. In a nutshell since government is a continuoum I suggest that it's bigotry to put an end to this protest on the notion of going for a dialogue. The government is already polarized no nation can survive without it's masses and if we say "No" to a policy because it's not favourable then let's maintain our stand. If it's also good let's keep it working and focus on the remaining weak ones. It's wrong to focus on Education and Health Care while there's hunger and insecurity of lives and properties. Not all government policies can be acceptable to the citizenry. As the protest unfolds it's not our intention to pull down this government's achievements but rather to strengthen what is being left behind. As patriots of our nation we are not out to pull all down at once, rather we keep looking for other ways of strengthening the same system rather than bring it down. #RenewedHope#ENDBADGOVERNMENT#Nigeria#Revival#Restoration Thank You! I speak for a Change! I speak for a Revolution!

IS THE RIGHT TO PROTEST CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED? Nigerian citizens have recently expressed their desire to protest against the high cost of living, widespread poverty, and hunger in their society. The planned action slated for August 1, 2024, has been condemned by top political figures. The burning question is whether the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) Provides for the right to peaceful assembly and association. Section 40 of the constitution states verbatim "Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with others, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests: The phrase 'to assemble freely...for the protection of his interests' guarantees the right to protest. The right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental human right that allows people to come together and express their ideas, opinions, and interests in a peaceful and nonviolent manner. This right is necessary for democratic participation, freedom of expression, and social justice. Several international instruments on human rights safeguard the right to peaceful assembly, including: 1. Article 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 2. Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) 3. Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) This right includes the freedom to: a. Hold peaceful gatherings, demonstrations, and protests b. Express opinions and views through speeches, banners, and other forms of expression c. Assemble in public spaces, such as parks, streets, and squares d. Associate with others who share similar interests and goals However, this right is not absolute and may be subject to certain limitations, such as: a. Ensuring public safety and order b. Protecting the rights of others c. Preventing violence or property damage Governments have a responsibility to protect and facilitate the exercise of this right, including by: a. Providing a safe and enabling environment for peaceful assembly b. Facilitating access to public spaces and resources c. Ensuring that law enforcement officials respond proportionately and with restraint In conclusion, protests are guaranteed by the constitution, however, it is not absolute as violence is a limitation to this right.Citizens have the right to peaceful assembly, but they must refrain from using violence.

Power of Dialogue for Constructive Engagement in Times of Protest For two days now, Nigerians have taken to the streets in a planned 10-day peaceful protest to express their frustrations over hunger and perceived failures in governance. While the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, it is imperative to consider the evolving dynamics of the situation and explore avenues for dialogue to foster lasting change. Before the protest, government officials have been expressed the need for Nigerians to give the present administration time to deliver on its campaign promises and emphasized the importance of constructive engagement. However, despite these appeals, protesters remained steadfast in their resolve. The emergence of isolated violence in some states, instigated by opportunistic elements, underscores the critical need for a shift towards peaceful dialogue and cooperation for the betterment of the nation. Protests have historically served as powerful tools for social change that enable citizens to highlight pressing issues and push for reforms. In Nigeria, the present protest has expressed dissatisfaction among the people, by reflecting the concerns of citizens on hunger, economic hardships, and challenges in governance. While these grievances are legitimate, it is imperative to recognize that the method of expression can significantly impact the outcome. As the protest continues, the first day witnessed isolated incidents of violence in some states, leading to the imposition of curfews. This violence is already a threat to the legitimate concerns of the majority that are seeking positive change through peaceful means. The Essence of any peaceful protest is desire for change, a call for justice, accountability, and improved living conditions. These protests have represented the voices of ordinary Nigerians who have been affected by the challenges of hunger, unemployment, and poor governance. The message is clear: it is time for leaders to listen, act, and implement policies that will address the root causes of these issues. https://lnkd.in/eurf8EWK