Yesterday was a much quieter day than Friday. We accompanied protesters in two different demonstrations. Before we arrived at the first manifestation, reportedly the police had clashed with demonstrators but subsequently worked out an arrangement. The demonstrators could close one lane of traffic but agreed to leave the other lane open.
After a couple of hours, the demonstrators asked for us to accompany them home. They feared police could be hiding in the woods and they would be attacked as they walked along. We had about an hour's walk in the countryside. Walking along with the demonstrators, I was reminded again how young they are. It's blatant intimidation to bring out scores of heavily armed police to deal with the situation.
When we arrived at the second manifestation, it was in full swing with demonstrators, police, and military police. It too was peaceful. Both road lanes remained open while the demonstrators and the police stood along the sides of the highway.
In the peaceful manifestations I attended today, the mood of the crowd was joyful. At least 70 percent of the cars and trucks honked their support.
Postscript - see the photo below of the tear gas canister that is Made in the USA.
After a couple of hours, the demonstrators asked for us to accompany them home. They feared police could be hiding in the woods and they would be attacked as they walked along. We had about an hour's walk in the countryside. Walking along with the demonstrators, I was reminded again how young they are. It's blatant intimidation to bring out scores of heavily armed police to deal with the situation.
When we arrived at the second manifestation, it was in full swing with demonstrators, police, and military police. It too was peaceful. Both road lanes remained open while the demonstrators and the police stood along the sides of the highway.
In the peaceful manifestations I attended today, the mood of the crowd was joyful. At least 70 percent of the cars and trucks honked their support.
Postscript - see the photo below of the tear gas canister that is Made in the USA.
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