Below are a few points to keep in mind while participating in protests, as advised by media experts and organizers:
-Media is present and you are being watched:
1- Hoist banners or slogans and be as creative as you’d like to be. It isn’t every day that you get a chance to let authorities know how you feel.
2- Share as many photos online in real-time as possible. This will encourage others to come. The more people there are, the safer it is for everyone.
4- If you hear anyone speaking out loud of irrelevant, political matters, chanting slogans that upkeep division, DO NOT RESPOND AND WALK AWAY. You can also help in the formation of a human shield to secure the safety of all those involved if you see compatriots in danger. It is highly advisable to secure the most vulnerable among attenders, i.e. people with disabilities, women, children and the elderly –they are not as fast.
5- Remember, protesting is democratic right granted to you by the constitution.
-What can go wrong? [link]
Teargas, police brutality and arrests:
1- Be prepared:
Wear sturdy shoes. Sandals, soft shoes are not recommended. Wear clothes that cover your body like jeans or pants. Buy a mask. They’re cheap and to reinforce their effectiveness wrap a shawl around your face. Also, bring goggles.
2- If possible carry a small backpack with a water bottle inside, tissues and an onion. If possible prepare an empty plastic bottle with powdered milk that you can later mix with water. The milk mixture will help flush out irritants from your eyes and the onion will help clear your nostrils when sniffed. If unavailable, cold water is the basic alternative.
3- Before heading down to the protest refrain from using Vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturizers on skin as they can trap chemicals. Wash ALL clothes if you are exposed to tear gas. Toxins inside the irritants can stay for moths if not washed.
4- If teargas canisters are thrown your way, get upwind of the point of release. WALK, don’t run! Running may cause panic, resulting in a stampede. Don't rub your eyes or face, or this will reactivate the irritants inside the gas. Don’t wear contact lenses. Some reports claim tear gas exposure may cause contact lenses to FUSE to the eyes and cause eyesight damage.
5- Write this number down on your arm and get your friends to do that. If you get pulled away by police SCREAM OUT YOUR NAME so that any of those around you can call and report your arrest. Please note that internet communications will be down, if you need to contact someone either call or resort to text messaging and don't forget to come with a fully charged battery.
-Message to the riot police:
Because every drop of blood spilled belongs to some mother's/father's son/daughter...