The Right To Protest

"We will dismantle oppression board by board!" - Squidward Tentacles

The right to peaceful protest is our way to voice our opinion as a people. However, in many of the following countries, this right is being violated

China - Hammad

Via businessinsider.com

Protests in China over the current requirements to run for office have seen tear gas used and arrests made. China has deemed demonstrations illegal, denying the citizens their right to peaceful protest.

Brazil - Hammad

tbo.com

Preceding the World Cup, millions turned out for protests in Brazil. The protests evolved into violent clashes between authorities and demonstrators and ended with tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests. Those who would question the arrests were also arrested.

U.S.A. - Theo

Via tbo.com

In the aftermath of Michael Brown’s unjust death, the city of Ferguson, Missouri erupted into civil distress, vandalizing and raiding local businesses, and rioting. The incident poked holes in many of the federal government's policies and procedures regarding race issues (eg. Use of racial profiling)

Germany - Hammad

Via ibtimes.co.uk

Even though their citizens have recently been getting out of hand, The German government has done a good job at preventing violent protests while simultaneously preserving the right to peaceful protest. An example of this is the Israel/Gaza rally in which the German government laid out rules against specific violent forms of protest but did not force the demonstrators to stop peaceful protests

France - Hammad

Photograph: Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Get Jeff Pachoud / Via theguardian.com

France is accommodating of peaceful protests. Recently, there was a protest held against the construction of a dam. One of the protesters died and in order to show their support, local authorities suspended the construction of the dam (they did not completely scrap the idea however).

Iran - Theo

Via blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Over the course of one year, Iran’s Green Movement launched a series of protests against the Iranian Government in retaliation to the impeachment of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and the standard of living. The European Union called for sanctions to be charged against Iran for violating many human rights (police brutality, protester casualties)

2011 United Kingdom anti-austerity protests (U.K) - Theo

Via thetruthisnow.com

These were A series of massive street protests in retaliation to the ensuing financial crisis. The government allowed protesters to strike for almost a year, as the incident was deemed as one of the worst in Britain's history. The government continued to make negative changes to economy during strike

Russia - Hammad

Via telegraph.co.uk

During the Bolotnaya Protests, demonstrators were unjustly imprisoned for speaking out against the fairness of the election that saw Vladimir Putin returning for a third term as president. Protests have been held to release the prisoners as well.

Protests against Muammar Qaddafi (Dubai) - Theo

Via egyptianstories.blogspot.ca

These were sparked by a pro-Gaddafi supporter outside the Libyan Consulate in Dubai. As a result, many people were hurt and arrested. The government is also responsible for letting Dubai's economy struggle through conflicts with neighbouring countries (Libya)

Venezuela - Theo

Via america.aljazeera.com

Over over 13 recorded deaths in Venezuelan protests over unjust economic policies and a shortage of basic goods. The government has been scrutinized for inhumane treatment of protesters (tear gas, violent security forces, arrests of protesters, etc.)