Peaceful Protest

We are fortunate in the western world to have the right to a peaceful protest. Last week in Bangkok, Thailand, over 70 people were killed in a protest against the current military-supported government. Though many hid in a Buddhist temple, police fired upon and killed protesters inside. Many were imprisoned.

As the United Kingdom Liberty Guide says:

"It can be a very powerful campaign tool and many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy today were gained because people were prepared to go out on the streets and protest."

Here, in Canada, we have the Charter of Rights and Freedoms which also guarantee peaceful assembly as a democratic right. It also states that you have the right to be free of cruel and unusual punishment.

In Bangkok, these rights are far from being realised. With open media such as Twitter and Youtube, millions of people around the world are able to see firsthand what is taking place in Bangkok. The world is watching and bearing witness to the events that are taking place in Bangkok.