Global Q&A: ‘In your country, are there rules/guidelines on how you can protest?’

Lima, Perú: Carmen Monroe, 39, Business Administrator: Yes, there are rules for protests. Laws are in place, but not fulfilled, because we are not in agreement, and there is great inequality. There is no support for others; we are indifferent to what happens to others for fear of repression—subsequent attacks on protests. There are many injustices, and corruption laws are always placed in favor of those who have more. I would like to see changes from the head, who is the president, and then with all authorities. Here, anybody can be president. Access to education and culture is basic, but due to the economic situation in my country, for many people it is not possible.

Generally, protests are governed by laws. The ability to freely protest, to express one’s civil rights can be affected by restrictive public safety laws and fear of repression. This is what Epoch Times reporters from Peru to Colombia discovered when they asked locals,

“In your country, are there rules/guidelines on how you can protest?”

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question, “If you were mayor of your city, what one measure would you take to improve the welfare of your people?”