So I was indeed tear-gassed simply for exercising my right to protest. And I will never shut up about police repression and police violence. I've taken part in quite a few protests, especially student protests, and this is the first time I've seen the police tear-gas us with my own eyes, the very same police who are supposed, above all else, to protect us. We were just standing in front of the old city hall. My boyfriend and I had a front-row seat, so we could see with our own eyes that nothing was happening. The protesters were just standing there, and all of a sudden, tear gas canisters were fired at us.
Police repression is becoming increasingly violent. This is by no means surprising. Statistics show that the majority of police officers are far-right; audio and video recordings have been released in which police officers can be heard saying that they enjoy assaulting leftists.
I’m still writing this while somewhat in shock, because that was only the beginning of the violence. We couldn’t go home and ended up sleeping at a friend’s place right in the heart of the city, where violence and looting were everywhere. The people who smashed and looted the stores were NOT part of the protest, but the media doesn’t care, they just want to use it to discredit the protesters’ cause.
I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing well and that I’m working on a detailed article with photos and video to document the entire day.
I’ll never stop speaking out, and my heart goes out to France as it fights for a better life. There are movements taking place all over the world today, people have had enough.
We are not trash.
While the president was at the Céline Dion concert, some people died, others had their hands torn off, lost their businesses, or were beaten up by the police. This is not normal.
P.S.: If you get tear-gassed, it's very important to wash yourself thoroughly afterward, including your hair. Also, for people with hormonal disorders or menstrual issues, the gas can trigger your period and may also cause other problems, so please protect yourself. <3
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