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Are other countries also cracking down on protests?
Yes, several countries are tightening restrictions on protests. For example, the UK has introduced laws like the Crime and Policing Bill 2025, which broadens police powers and criminalizes peaceful activism. Similarly, Hungary has seen a decline in democratic freedoms through vague legislation and arbitrary enforcement. International human rights groups warn that these trends could lead to a global erosion of protest rights and civil liberties.
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What’s the global trend on protest rights?
The global trend shows a move towards restricting protest rights in many countries. Governments are passing laws that limit peaceful assembly, increase police powers, and criminalize non-violent activism. Critics argue that these measures are often vague and disproportionate, aiming to suppress dissent and control public demonstrations. Human rights organizations warn that this trend threatens democratic accountability worldwide.
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How do new protest laws impact democracy worldwide?
New laws that restrict protests can weaken democratic processes by limiting citizens' ability to express dissent. When governments expand police powers and criminalize peaceful activism, it becomes harder for people to hold authorities accountable. Over time, these restrictions can lead to authoritarian tendencies, undermining the fundamental democratic principle of free speech and assembly.
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What are human rights groups saying about these laws?
Human rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticize these laws as disproportionate and dangerous. They warn that expanding police powers and criminalizing peaceful protests threaten civil liberties and could lead to authoritarianism. These organizations call for reforms to protect the right to peaceful assembly and oppose vague legislation that can be misused against activists.
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Could these protest laws lead to authoritarian regimes?
There is concern that increasingly restrictive protest laws could pave the way for authoritarian rule. When governments use vague legislation and heavy policing to suppress dissent, it can erode democratic institutions and concentrate power. Historical examples, like Hungary, show how such laws can undermine the rule of law and lead to a slide into authoritarianism.