Right to Protest

The ability to stand up for your beliefs is one of several human rights that were laid down by the United Nations in the period following the Second World War. However, there continue to be occasions where law enforcers have failed significantly to uphold this particular right to protest, resulting in significant emotional and sometimes physical injury. 

DPP Law can help you put a case together if you have exercised your right to protest and been met by violence or seemingly repressive tactics by the police, and will assist you in your fight for compensation every step of the way. 

You may receive compensation for having your right to protest denied by the police if you have followed the correct procedure. The officers involved may also be ordered to make a formal apology and may be disciplined. 

Denial of the right to protest doesn’t necessarily need to take the form of violence or physical manhandling. “Kettling” is a technique that has been seen more and more recently. It involves the holding of protestors in unsuitable areas, often too small or confined to be safe.

Justice for Student Protestors and Assault Victims

In 2010, student protestors in London were held by police for up to nine hours in a small area by the Thames, resulting in crushing injuries and the threat of being forced into the icy river. This was considered a denial of the right to peaceful protest, and DPP Law specialises in bringing cases like this one before the courts to see justice done. 

DPP solicitor Iain Gould helped a Liverpool woman achieve compensation after being injured by police officers who assaulted her during a protest in Manchester in 2008. 

Can you protest on public property?

Yes, although any protest is subject to the legal powers invested in senior police officers to restrict the numbers taking part in the protest as well as its location and duration. 

Can you protest without a permit?

Yes, but usually only if there is no march involved and no road traffic or public walkways will be affected. It’s worth contacting your local police if you’re not sure and you are planning a lawful protest. 

How do you get a protest permit?

You should contact your local council to acquire a protest permit. It’s also highly recommended to let the police know about the time, date and location of your protest. 

As your legal representatives and advisors, DPP Law can offer you:

• Trustworthy 24-hour specialist legal advice, counsel and support
• More than 30 years of experience
• Clarity and transparency throughout

No one should impede your right to peacefully protest for something you believe in. If you feel that right has been unlawfully breached, get in touch with DPP Law today to discuss with us how we can go about defending the right to protest against injustice on your behalf.