Protect The Right To Protest

Text of the Policy

 * Small groups of protesters will no longer require a permit to hold their protests.
 * Ban the practice of inserting undercover agents into protests without first obtaining a warrant. This includes officers removing their badges while monitoring a protest.
 * Preserve the integrity of the police force by making it clear that officers instigating criminal acts or encouraging them with intent to escalate a protest or incite others to do so while under cover will be held fully responsible for their actions.
 * Have law enforcement adopt an attitude of cooperation rather than confrontation through maintaining open lines of communication between law enforcement and protest leaders.
 * Strictly prohibit the confiscation of cameras, communication or other recording devices by law enforcement in the absence of a court warrant.
 * Launch a review of the practice of ‘kettling’ and random “snatch and grab” of protesters to determine whether the practice leads to a deterioration of public order.
 * Protesters shall have the right to protect their identity and anonymity unless being arrested. If released without charge evidence and records gleaned will be destroyed.

Rationales
The right to protest and express dissent without fear of reprisal is fundamental to a democratic society and the exercise of freedom of speech. The Pirate Party seeks to uphold and protect this right, wherever people wish to make use of it. Withholding labour is also part of the tradition of protest and must also be protected.

Snippet of Discussions

 * Past cases of protest were discussed including Toronto's G20 and Quebec's undercover black bloc caught with rock in hands.
 * Use of security camera will be introduced and discussed under a separate policy.
 * The law banning wearing of mask during protest could deny the protesters their means for creative free expression. The law could be used to suppress specific group or symbolism.

Possible Misinformations
Myth: More restrictive laws and use of force is needed to take care of rioters and "black bloc" instigators such as those from the Toronto's G20 protest. Fact: Toronto's G20 is hardly a riot. It was "a handful of vandals" dressed in black who were allowed to carry on their violent act against properties. Commands to law enforcement to stand down allowed them to carry on their misdeeds. Long after these instigators were gone, the command centre gave order to crack down against the peaceful protesters, who have from the beginning remained peaceful. The crackdown caught innocent Toronto residents and pedestrians walking home in their own city (CBC's Fifth Estate - You Should Have Stayed Home - G20 Toronto Protest). The tactic used such as kettling and snatch and grab were also used in against past G20 protesters in other cities around the world. Kettling involves riot police surrounding protesters with intent to entrap and arrest all of them. A police would usually tell the surrounded people to leave but leave no way out for those who actually try to leave. As CBC's Fifth Estate have reported those arrested were innocent and peaceful Canadians. Canada seems to be using tactics commonly used in U.S. cities. Snowden leak would later reveal that NSA was involved during Toronto's G20. CBC's reported that "For 6 days the U.S. Embassy here became a command post for a U.S. spying operation on Canadian soil. Remarkably, all with the blessings of the Canadian government." (CBC News on Snowden Leak about NSA in Canada's G20)

Related News or Articles

 * Tyee interview with BCCLA (including the "silly" law on criminalizing wearing mask)

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