Antoaneta Dimitrova’s Post

One thing I have observed over the months of Pro-Palestine protests in FVEY countries since 7 October is the (weaponisation of) occupation of physical space, be it public land (such as parks/CBDs/roads and footpaths outside DIB firms and the offices of the protesters' political targets), land otherwise open to the public (such as university campuses) or private land (such as port infrastructure). As I have said since 7 October, CNI asset operators and security organisations like police need to keep refreshing their physical threat assessments and crowd dispersal procedures. I won't be surprised if said (weaponisation of) occupation of physical space appears inspired by the tactics of protesters/insurrectionists in any of the major rioting in New Delhi against the CAA law (2019-20) and agricultural reforms (2020-21). The symbolism of public buildings/major intersections being paralysed and national flags being burnt/defaced/de-poled is powerful for the protesters' IW, given that their tactics can be argued to hardly suggest their openness to dialogue. Note also that large crowds in public spaces, especially where folks are packed like sardines, are ideal hiding spots for IEDs, be they prepositioned (Boston Marathon bombings) or worn by terrorists, or even terrorists with edged weapons/bottles of acid. And it's not like any of these Pro-Palestine protests have robust bomb/contraband screening procedures before the relevant space (including the Australian PM's electorate office) is targeted. Given heightened polarisation re Israel-Palestine, aided by social media and building since the Russians published The Protocols of the Elders of Zion in 1903, and the increasing 'adventurism' of protesters, things do not look encouraging. 2 ABC articles that prompted me to write this: https://lnkd.in/graKJPkq https://lnkd.in/gb3sU37y

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.

Middle East Policy covers a new article by Deets Stephen that examines the effects of years of protest on Erdoğan’s regime and Turkey’s democracy as a whole. How did opposition parties affect an increasingly illiberal system? Read the analysis now: https://lnkd.in/eeJQ4VCE

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. .......

Today, a global protest is taking place in more than 300 cities around the world to raise awareness of the situation in Venezuela and increase pressure on international authorities to take action. My social networks today belong to my home country. I don’t ask you for anything. We just want the world to know that Venezuelans are being robbed of their freedom, and tortured and killed if they protest in the country. So, those of us who are outside are the voice of those who have been silenced. As of September 28, 2024, the political situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile and characterized by severe repression and human rights violations. The July 28 presidential election, in which President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, has been widely disputed. International observers, including the United Nations Electoral Technical Team and the Carter Center, have questioned the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, citing the government’s refusal to release detailed results and conduct independent audits. The aftermath of the elections has seen widespread protests across Venezuela, met with unprecedented levels of state violence and repression. Human rights organizations have documented over 24 killings and more than 2,400 arrests in the context of protests. Many of those detained include children and opposition leaders, with reports of torture, sexual abuse, and arbitrary detentions. A climate of fear persists, with opposition members and activists being targeted through arrests and intimidation. Internationally, there has been a strong response. A coalition of 31 countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European and Latin American nations, issued a joint statement calling for the release of political prisoners and an independent review of the election results. The statement emphasized the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to restore democratic institutions in Venezuela. Overall, the political crisis in Venezuela has deepened, with growing calls from both domestic and international actors for greater accountability and respect for human rights in the country. #venezuela #venezuelalibre #YoMeSumo #hastaelfinal

Punjab’s response to Maulana’s knock After Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s protest movement against the rigging of the 2024 elections and the establishment’s interference in politics has given a lively knock on the hearts of the Punjabi people in the public assembly held in Muzaffargarh, Punjab. At the sound of this knocking, the people of Punjab, who have been trapped in the tyranny of the vaders, landlords, capitalists and representatives of the establishment for decades, have taken an opportunity for the first time. In Punjab, Maulana has taken the political and non-political forces by surprise by showing unexpected public power. It seems that Maulana’s focus is on Punjab this time, one public assembly was held in each province, but two public assemblies will be held in Punjab, after the Muzaffargarh public assembly, the second public assembly will be held on September 7 in Minar Pakistan Lahore. September 7 is a very important day in the history of Pakistan, on this day, after many days of long discussion, the Parliament of Pakistan declared the deniers of the end of Prophethood as non-Muslims after the scholarly arguments of Mufti Mahmood. Maulana announced to celebrate the golden jubilee of this victory after 50 years and to start the second phase of his protest movement from the same day. Maulana Mufti Mehmood’s son Maulana Fazlur Rehman has come out with the knowledge of restoration of real democracy, he is sure that this time he will achieve the goal of “real democracy”. Observers and critics believed that Muzaffargarh is the hottest city in South Punjab, where the temperature is usually 47/48 degrees Celsius these days. And this time Jamiat Awami Assembly will fail because Jamiat has no vote bank in Punjab. People of Punjab do not like to go out of the circle of establishment and status quo political parties. On the other hand, in the most intense hot weather, the slaps of the snow are burning the faces like fireballs, so who will come to the public assembly of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam? But the keen eye saw that all the estimates of observers and critics proved wrong. On June 1, the way the people of South Punjab came to this public assembly, it seems that the workers who respected the vote of Muslim League-N responded to the voice of Maulana. An unexpected number of participants proved that they were ready to break free from the clutches of the Vaders and Jagirdars, so the severity of the weather stood in their way, neither political affiliations nor the traditional slavery of the Vaders could fetter their feet. . Powerful circles in Punjab always block the path of real public representatives through local capitalists, landlords and vaders and appoint their own representatives in parliament. But this time the people of Punjab responded to Maulana’s first knock and announced their decision that this unconstitutional and illegal series must be stopped now. In the public assemblies, Maula...

The mass protest slated for next month is necessary but at the same time not necessary. It's necessary because it has become the last resort of the masses to get the government's attention on issues of national concern. On the other hand, is very unnecessary because the populace beyond acting out of a feeling of discomfort haven't been schooled to understand the machineries of government and how it's operated. President Tinubu, has initiated the move for a new Nigeria but the Federal government must do more to get state governors up and doing. The game of politics at the federal level looking at the Nigerian politics requires nothing but the logic to increasing revenue and adding up to budgetary allocations to state and this is where government is more impactful and closer to the people. President Tinubu, has achieved the above optimally. The question now is, what are the governors doing with the increased allocations to better their state. I think the desperation to lift the placards should be directed at state governors whose understanding of politics has to be redefined. Politics in Nigeria is not as easy as opposition will make it look. Is a game of cheese that requires critical thinking in other to checkmate. The political desperados and evangelist in the north within the corridors power are sounding the alarm THAT PHARAOH SHOULD LET THEIR PEOPLE GO, but looking at the acclaimed Moses, I doubt if he had an encounter with the burning bush. A messenger has been sent to the house of Jessy to anoint the man to lead based on God's template but Saul will not give up the throne just like that. I think Tinubu is a major factor in the question for a new Nigeria we all dream of. The demons gathered and his matter was reported at the coven but Jonathan lacked the functioning and prevailing anointing to engage them like the current MARADONA occupying ASO ROCK. We just witnessed how a shot from midfield last week was a goal. Those saying we no go gree where given to drink the wine that merry the heart and without musical instruments and prior rehearsal they turned choirs singing the praises of MARADONA. The hardship is for a while because those who think are the owners of Nigeria have gotten structures yet to be collapsed but already collapsing. Nigeria, is rising to take her place of honor in the comity of Nations. Nigeria has been looted beyond looting and only a professor in the science of dribbling like the current MARADONA can set the pace right for the new Nigeria to emerge. E don dey shock everybody. Good afternoon Nigerians. By Labaran Okpanachi FICMC ASPSP

Image Source : RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI (X) Tiananmen Crackdown Protest in US Washington: Members of the US Congress expressed their views on the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in China. The lawmakers said on Tuesday that the ruling Chinese Communist Party is as ruthless and repressive today as it was in 1989 when it sent tanks to crackdown on peaceful student protests in Beijing. Democratic member Raja Krishnamoorthi warned that Chinese President Xi Jinping is not averse to resorting to violence to achieve his goals, as were his predecessors. <!-- /8323530/Khabar_Desktop_VDO_1X1 --> I will send you a tank “We must remember that when Xi Jinping says he will crack down on subversive and separatist activities, he is telling the world that (the party) will send in those tanks again to suppress the voices of those who stand up for freedom,” said Democrat member Raja Krishnamoorthi. Deadlock between America and China Former student leaders of the Tiananmen movement and Hong Kong youth activists attended the event held on Tuesday on the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown. This program has taken place at a time when the US has started emphasizing competition in its policy towards China. Its aim is to stop China’s growing influence. There has also been a deadlock between the two countries over Beijing’s deployment of troops in the South China Sea and military threats against the self-governing island of Taiwan. (AP) Also read: America: Twist in the presidential election, Biden and Trump’s amazing performance in these states; won the primary election Lok Sabha Election 2024: After NDA’s victory in the elections, Narendra Modi will become PM, Pakistan’s pain spilled out Latest World News function loadFacebookScript(){ !function (f, b, e, v, n, t, s) { if (f.fbq) return; n = f.fbq = function () { n.callMethod ? n.callMethod.apply(n, arguments) : n.queue.push(arguments); }; if (!f._fbq) f._fbq = n; n.push = n; n.loaded = !0; n.version = '2.0'; n.queue = []; t = b.createElement(e); t.async = !0; t.src = v; s = b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t, s); }(window, document, 'script', '//https://lnkd.in/dNCd7S6K'); fbq('init', '1684841475119151'); fbq('track', "PageView"); } window.addEventListener('load', (event) => { setTimeout(function(){ loadFacebookScript(); }, 7000); });

African leaders must recognize and respect the rights of their citizens to peacefully protest and demonstrate. The use of force against protesters is a violation of their fundamental rights and undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. Protests and demonstrations are essential tools for citizens to voice their grievances, demand accountability from their leaders, and advocate for social and political change. When leaders respond to peaceful protests with violence and repression, they not only suppress dissent but also perpetuate a culture of fear and intimidation. The use of force against protesters is a clear indication of a lack of respect for human rights and democratic principles. It is the responsibility of African leaders to uphold the rule of law, protect the rights of their citizens, and ensure that dissent is met with dialogue and engagement rather than violence and repression. Furthermore, the use of force against protesters often escalates tensions and can lead to further violence and instability. Instead of resorting to violence, leaders should engage with protesters in a constructive and respectful manner, address their grievances, and work towards finding peaceful and sustainable solutions to the issues at hand. In conclusion, African leaders must stop using force against protesters and respect their rights to demonstrate peacefully. By upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression, leaders can build trust with their citizens, promote social cohesion, and create a more inclusive and democratic society. It is imperative that leaders listen to the voices of their citizens, engage in dialogue, and work towards addressing the root causes of discontent in a peaceful and respectful manner.

🗳️ The Power of Voting: A Global Call to Action 🗳️ Recently, I shared a post about protests in Portugal advocating for the right to housing. It got me thinking about a more universal truth: while protests raise awareness, the most effective way to bring about change in any democracy is through voting. No matter where you are—whether in the US, Europe, Asia, or elsewhere—if you live in a democracy, voting is your most powerful tool. I’ve heard the argument before: “My vote alone won’t make a difference.” That might be true on its own, but collective action does. Many "useless" individual votes, when combined, can move mountains. If none of the political parties represent your views, maybe it’s time to start a movement or support a new party that does. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t happen at all if we don’t engage. Remember: Protests can spark a conversation, but voting drives change. Your vote may seem small, but it’s part of a bigger movement that leads to progress. If the current choices don’t inspire you, it might be time to be the change. So wherever you are, let’s use our democratic rights to build a future we believe in. 🌍💪 How do you make sure your voice is heard in your democracy? I’d love to hear your insights. #Democracy #VotingMatters #CivicDuty #VoteForChange #GlobalPerspective