Protest! Raise your voice, demand accountability, oppose the government, and do not give up your demands. But what fault does the citizen have that you burn their business? What fault does the family have that put a lifetime of savings into a shop? Why should an employee who might find their workplace burned down tomorrow be left without bread?
Private property is not a political target. It is the fruit of effort, sacrifice and bread for families. Whoever burns it strikes the citizen directly. And no one has the right to seek justice by doing injustice to someone else.
Anger toward power does not give permission to destroy. Nor does dissatisfaction, however deep, justify panic in the streets, threats against passersby, or flames at the doors of businesses. A protest that seeks citizens’ support must also protect their safety.
Organizers have a responsibility to speak clearly and to intervene to stop violence. It is not enough to call for participation and then fall silent when other people’s property is destroyed. Distancing from arson must be firm, public and without justification.
Police too must protect citizens and property, stop perpetrators of violence and respect peaceful protesters. Responsibility is individual; the violent act of a few cannot be used to deny everyone the right to protest.
Protest loudly, but do not burn! Demand accountability from power, but do not present the bill to citizens. No cause is elevated above the home or business of someone else.
