Why protests are getting more dangerous

Melbourne photojournalist Alex Zucco was cleaning her camera lens when a police officer hit her directly in the face with a stream of capsicum spray at a protest outside the Melbourne Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition last year. In July this year, a police officer allegedly punched former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas in the face at a pro-Palestine rally, seriously injuring her eye. Lawyers and activists say these incidents fit a pattern of increased police force against protesters –  including so-called ‘less-lethal’ tools such as baton rounds, flash-bang devices and capsicum spray. Today, journalist and author Ariel Bogle on how decades of restricting the right to protest have created a permissive environment for the use of force by police. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and author, Ariel Bogle Photo: Alex Zucco / SOPA Images/Sipa USASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.