Protest is an invaluable tool for exposing injustice and abuse, demanding accountability and inspiring people to keep hoping for a better future. But governments and other powerful forces are constantly finding new ways to suppress protest. Global trends such as militarization of police, misuse of force at protests and shrinking civic space make it harder for people to gather and speak out. Amnesty International is working to confront this crackdown and support movements in their demands for justice.
In the US, a wave of state and federal bills threatens to criminalize the exercise of constitutional rights to freedom of speech, assembly and petition. A bill in New Jersey, for example, would punish college students who participate in protests by depriving them of federal financial aid and loan forgiveness. Another would let law enforcement agencies target protesters for crimes — like “disrupting traffic flow” or “obstructing an officer in performance of their duty” — that are not related to their peaceful protest activities.
The government of Cameroon must release 36 opposition activists arbitrarily detained for protesting against President Paul Biya’s rule, Amnesty International said. It also must investigate reports that security forces used disproportionate force and ill-treated riot control units in the deadly protests last year, and prosecute those responsible. The arrests are a clear violation of the rights to freedom of expression and association.
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