Protests Are Legal But Not Absolute

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old blog 28 January, 2024.

We are ruled by the camera, to such an extent that sometimes governments make decisions based on public opinion. And what is public opinion? People marching in the streets. Not really. That is a fraction of public opinion because the majority of voters are at home watching television. We will only know how they feel about issues, come voting day. They are shy and don’t carry signs and sing on the street.

Protest marches are designed for the camera. Strategies, costumes, placards, bull horns, everything is designed for the camera. I was just not aware how much, until yesterday, when I saw man wearing a vest written: LEGAL OBSERVER. Legal? That means he is expecting trouble, which will result in a criminal case or something. But, who is he working for, organizers of the protest march, the police or he’s a law student? 

I don’t think it’s funny though because anything can happen in a small space occupied by a crowd mad at something. What aggravates matters are counter protests. Police try to keep the pro and anti-protesters apart, as much as they can. When did groups start hiring legal observers and what is their job spec?

I’m writing this piece because I take the word legally very seriously. It entails the police, lawyers, courts and prison or a fine. Now, let’s look at these legal observers legally. Is the evidence they collect at protest marches admissible? Can they use it in a court of law? I’m just asking because sometimes evidence is useless, courts throw it out. They deem it inadmissible, if I’m not mistaken.

Nonqaba waka Msimang

Executive Blogger

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