Violent Protest Is Crime But Peaceful Protest Is a Right

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

In the annals of human civilization, the right to protest has been a cornerstone of democratic engagement and social change. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." This observation underscores the inherent folly in violent protests, which undermine the cause they seek to advance and contravene the principles of lawful dissent.

Violence begets chaos and anarchy. Democratic legal frameworks define violent protests as criminal acts. The destruction of property, physical harm to individuals, and creating an atmosphere of fear disrupt social order and violate others' rights. Martin Luther King Jr. noted, "Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral." Using violence to seek justice erodes the foundation of law and order essential for justice.

A significant judicial precedent in Nigeria is 

Inspector General of Police v. All Nigeria Peoples Party

 (2008). The Court of Appeal ruled that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. However, any protest that turns violent loses its constitutional protection and becomes a criminal matter, affirming the state's authority to prosecute violent protesters.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for change. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to peaceful assembly and association. John F. Kennedy remarked, "Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." When people are denied a legitimate avenue to voice concerns, frustration can foster extremism and violence. By protecting peaceful protests, societies can channel dissent into constructive dialogue and reforms.

Philosophically, peaceful protest aligns with non-violence and civil disobedience principles advocated by leaders like Gandhi and Thoreau. Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha demonstrated the impact of peaceful protest in effecting social and political change. "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win," Gandhi said, illustrating the power of steadfast, non-violent activism.

Governments must ensure law enforcement handles protests with restraint and respect for human rights. Civil society must advocate for peace, condemning violence while supporting the right to peaceful assembly. The legitimacy of a protest is determined by the righteousness of its cause and the integrity of its methods. Nelson Mandela stated, "It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build." In the pursuit of justice, let us be guided by the wisdom of peace and the strength of non-violence, ensuring our actions build bridges rather than barriers.

Violent protest is criminal, undermining justice and democracy. Conversely, peaceful protest is a powerful catalyst for positive change. By embracing non-violence and upholding peaceful protest, we can collectively strive towards a just, equitable, and harmonious society.

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