Protest is an invaluable way to speak truth to power, exposing injustice and abuse, demanding accountability and inspiring people to keep fighting for change. But around the world, repressive governments and law enforcement agencies are using ever more brutal tactics to try to crush protests. With global trends towards militarization of police, the use of excessive force at protests, and shrinking civic space, it’s getting harder to stay safe while making your voice heard.
Protestors are at risk of being arrested and harassed even for non-violent actions such as wearing face masks to protect themselves from the stench of pepper spray or being photographed with signs or flags. They are often subjected to long arrest times, arbitrary and illegal searches of their cars or belongings, and have been denied access to public transportation or forced to leave buses and trains without being allowed off.
In the US, President Trump has openly encouraged law enforcement and the military to crack down on protesters. Last week, the governor of West Virginia volunteered to send 400 National Guard troops to Washington, DC to support Trump’s crackdown on protests and a number of other states have pledged to do the same.
State lawmakers are also trying to make it more difficult for protesters by passing repressive laws that criminalize peaceful actions. Since Trump’s inauguration, more than 50 anti-protest bills have been introduced across the country. Many are authored by Republican legislators and seek to expand the criminal penalties for constitutionally protected protests.