Peaceful Protest Is a Right — Violence Is Not

Peaceful Protest Is a Right. Violence Is Not.

I've taken part in peaceful protests. I've marched alongside others to make my voice heard, to be part of a collective stand for something bigger than myself. That’s the essence of a protest peaceful assembly, powerful messaging, and a shared call for change. It’s one of the core freedoms in any functioning democracy.

But let’s be honest about what we’re seeing now.

What’s recently been circulating on social media and in the news isn’t a protest. It isn’t peaceful. It’s violent, chaotic, and often deliberately destructive. When people turn up not to speak, but to attack, whether it’s buildings, the police, or other people, they are not protesting. They are breaking the law. This is not activism. It's thuggery, plain and simple.

We’ve reached a point where this kind of behaviour is becoming disturbingly frequent. Even worse, it's often encouraged, excused, or even incited by politicians, commentators, or public figures who should absolutely know better. When those in power stir anger rather than guiding discussion, it’s dangerous not just to the people directly involved, but to the very health of civil society.

Let’s get one thing clear: there is nothing noble about smashing windows, shouting abuse, or setting things on fire. That doesn’t make you a freedom fighter, it makes you part of the problem. And every time violence like this is ignored or downplayed, it undermines the voices of those who are protesting peacefully and with purpose.

This needs to change.

There should be firmer consequences for those who turn up with the intent to incite or commit violence. Law enforcement and governments need to draw a clear line not against protest itself, but against the hijacking of protest by those who seek chaos.

At the same time, we must demand better from our leaders and public voices. With influence comes responsibility, and when people in positions of power pour fuel on already volatile situations, they must be held to account.

Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy. Violent disorder is not. Let’s not confuse the two. And let’s not allow those who wish to blur the line to go unchallenged.