Protesting protest behavior

It is unfortunate that many policemen and officers are of a low professional and personal standard, as recent episodes of corruption, egregious violence against demonstrators, cruelty and rudeness show. Law-abiding citizens can testify to inefficiency, ignorance and plain bad manners in everyday encounters with the police. I state this with sadness, as the police role is vital.

Having stated this, the behavior of the Ethiopian demonstrators protesting against the police, as justified as their cause is, was unacceptable and outrageous. Blocking roads and junctions is social terrorism; ordinary citizens have rights no less than demonstrators. The violence, thuggery and vandalism that followed the protests was a blot on the Ethiopian culture.

Why should people not be able to reach the hospital or innocent schoolchildren be stuck in a bus for four hours? Why should people attending important meetings or visiting relatives and friends be made to suffer or their plans made impossible?

There is no justification for this disgraceful form of protest. No cause or episode can excuse it. On the contrary, it strengthens negative feelings against Ethiopians, however regrettable that is. Some Haredim and other groups also do it. The time has come to ensure that normal life is not disrupted by legitimate protests. Both are cardinal values in a democracy.

ANTHONY LUDER

Rosh Pina