The right to protest is enshrined in the United States Constitution. In recent years, there seems to be more and more growing, both in this country and abroad, where protest can be more dangerous.
Recent research Discussion of demonstrations from 2006 to 2020 The number of protests around the world has reportedly tripled during this period. A leaked draft Supreme Court decision violating Rowe Wade by depriving him of the right to abortion, enacted half a century ago, offers a court decision that could be even more annoying to Americans on the streets.
But with the increase in protests there have been more incidents of police brutality, use of chemical weapons, mass arrests, violent clashes with counterprotester, and other dangerous situations.
However, this does not mean that the act of protest is inherently dangerous. There are precautions that people should take when they go out and show up. Below, we will share expert support.
Ი Know your rights
“The First Amendment protects our right to have our voices heard, including through public gatherings and protests,” said Vera Eidelmann, ACLU’s speech, privacy and technology project staff advocate. “The restrictions that government officials can impose on public protests are limited, but the truth is they don’t always follow the rules. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared to defend your rights before taking to the streets.”
Eidelman highlighted some basic rights that are important to know before attending a demonstration. (ACLU website “Know your rights to protest” page. Offer more details.)
“You don’t need permission to protest in response to the news,” Eidelmann said. “You no longer need a permit to walk on streets or sidewalks, unless they impede the movement of vehicles or pedestrians or entry into buildings. “If you don’t have permission, the police may order you to cross the road or sidewalk to let others cross or for safety.”
If you are legally in a public space, you have the right to shoot anything involving federal buildings and any police. If you believe that your rights have been violated during the protest, take a minute to contact the Witnesses, record any damage, and write down any details you can remember.
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Eidelmann noted that the primary task of the police during a protest should be to protect your right to protest and to mitigate any threat of violence.
“If the police stop you, ask if you’re free,” Eidelmann advises. “If they say yes, don’t worry. If you are arrested, you have the right to ask why. If not, say you want to keep quiet and ask for a lawyer right away. “Don’t sign, say or receive anything without an attorney.”
Safety clothing
“Even as we go through hot weather, you still need to wear long sleeves to protect your body as much as possible from the sun and tear gas,” said Ernest Coverson, End Gun campaign manager of Amnesty International. Violence, he previously told HuffPost. “You want long pants, comfortable shoes – something that is tied and slippery – and nothing loose that you can hang, hook or stretch.”
Coverson is not advised to apply oils or lotions, as they can “increase the long-term effect” of agents such as pepper spray or tear gas, which can cause rashes and burns, tearing and burning of the eyes, blurred vision, chest tightness and other ailments. . Irritations.
In addition to comfortable shoes and clothing that cover your skin, Amnesty International recommends that you wear a bandage soaked in water, lemon juice, or vinegar to cover your nose and mouth, which helps you breathe during exposure. in chemical. In case of contamination, bring a plastic bag to change your clothes and wear glasses instead of contact lenses.
“If you get gas in the contacts, the irritant can be trapped and damage the target itself,” Kaverson said. “If you can wear goggles (swimming goggles are good), it also provides extra safety.”
Rub your hair back and wear a face mask or face shield that can protect against COVID and other potentially harmful effects. Hide identifying marks such as tattoos and try to wear usually unidentified clothing. And, of course, check the weather.
Pay attention to what you are carrying
Take care of your health and safety when packing your bags before the protest. Make sure you eat and hydrate at home, with extra food and water to drink. A bottle of water from a poison cap is also useful for washing the skin and eyes if you have been exposed to tear gas or other chemicals.
Bring money and coins, carry your ID, and write emergency contact information on your arm or other part of your body. Medications and first aid kits also help.
If you decide to bring a cell phone, turn off Face or Touch ID mode so no one can force you to unlock it without your permission. It is also recommended by experts to Back up your data in advance and turn on airplane mode.
For everyone protesting today: if you need to bring your phone, don’t have face / finger ID. The police can and will force you to unlock your phone with your face or fingerprint, they will not force you to unlock it with a password.
-Simon! (@parasociale) May 3, 2022
Before you go to the demonstration, research the event to see if the organizers have given advice on clothes and other expectations. Take some time for the protest organizers to make sure the movement is in line with your values and does not promote violence or any other problem that could be detrimental to your health and safety.
If possible, do not protest alone. Try to make friends with someone, meet up with a family group, or let loved ones know where you are if something happens.
And don’t forget to sign the message you want to share in the protest.
Look
A Violent Attack by Anti-Protestants About Police Brutality There are many ways to make a peaceful demonstration dangerous.
Be vigilant when participating in a protest. Pay attention to those around you and what they are doing. If a person is experiencing grief or panic, try to calm him or her or help them find salvation.
Find the nearest exit if you or your colleagues need to leave the demonstration immediately. Beware of any vehicles where drivers are nearby.
Resist the temptation to mingle with anti-Protestants, who often shout and hold signs with glowing messages to create discord. Don’t give up on them.
Try to stay calm and focused and pay attention to any instructions or requests from the protest leaders.
Be prepared for a tear gas or pepper spray
Police used tear gas and pepper against the protesters. Although they are chemically different agents, they both have annoying side effects.
In addition to the above medications, you can learn what to do if you encounter such an annoying.
The pepper spray for all the protesters was oil -based. If sprayed, do not rub your eyes. Squeeze as soon as possible to wash off some grease with your own tears. Then wash your eyes with baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly with water. Let us take care of ourselves.
– Dr. Glaucomflecken (@DGlaucomflecken) May 31, 2020
The best way to combat pepper spray or tear gas is to rinse your eyes with water and remove it. She quickly closed her eyes and suppressed the urge to touch or rub her eyes.
Pour a bottle of water over your eyes (be careful not to overdo the chemicals The skin surrounding your eyes) Soon, but try approaching the sink or shower for a more thorough rinse.
We consume liters of water, potentially [a patient’s] “Eyes until they feel better and we don’t feel like the chemical has run out,” Drs. Diane Callelo, chief executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Center, at HuffPost.
Although many people recommend using milk to wash their eyes, doctors often do not recommend it.
“Is it wrong to put milk in your eyes instead of water?” “No, it won’t do, but it probably won’t help with water or salt irrigation,” Kalelo said.
In addition to clearing your eyes, try coughing, spitting, and blowing your nose to get as many chemicals out of your body as possible. And if the burning and irritation persists for some time, even after a shower, replacement and otherwise decontaminate, consider seeing a doctor.
Contact with tear gas or pepper spray can be painful and traumatic, so once you’ve finished washing it and taking care of your physical health, take the time to take care of other forms of self-care before exercising and recovering. from experience. . .
Source: Huffpost
