5 tips for going to New York to protest

The recommendations in this publication will remind you of constitutional rights and help prepare you for participating in mass protests. You will also learn what to do if you are arrested. The publication shared the details Time-out.

Today, New Yorkers take to the streets en masse, protesting the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the many deaths of black people at the hands of police throughout the country.

Our diverse community is ready to take advantage of the right to vote to protect ourselves and others. Therefore, more and more protests will be held, and people will increasingly insist on equal rights and systematic changes in order to eradicate racism.

But, as we saw at the weekend, the protests are fraught with great risk, including the risk of infection and the spread of the coronavirus, because New York is still officially quarantined due to a pandemic.

So before you join one of the protests, you must be well prepared. Here are five things you need to know before joining a crowd of protesters:

1. Go with a small group

Go to the rally in the group. Be careful and stay close to others; make sure you arrange a meeting point in case you break up. Let someone not participating in the march know where you will be.

2. Protect your body

Don't leave your house without a mask - New York City is still quarantined due to a global pandemic, so be smart and cover your nose and mouth with a mask or bandana. State Governor Andrew Cuomo has put forward a requirement to wear a face mask in public when it is impossible to distance oneself from others.

According to information CDC, the massive wearing of masks inhibits the spread of the virus, because many can be infectious, but not have symptoms.

Remember to keep two meters (6 feet) apart. Before joining the crowd, listen to your well-being: if you feel unwell, stay at home so as not to put others at risk.

At the end of the protest, it is recommended to quarantine for 14 days, and after that - pass the coronavirus test.

Amnesty United States recommends bringing water in a plastic bottle with you to drink and wash, as well as wet wipes, a stock of prescription drugs, and snacks to refresh yourself.

У Health department New York also has some suggestions:

• If tear gas is used against you, it is recommended to remain calm, blow your nose, rinse your mouth and do not swallow.
• If you wear lenses, it is best to replace them temporarily with glasses with thick glasses: this way you can protect your eyes from harmful substances and splinters.
• Wear comfortable shoes, clothing covering your skin to protect it from the sun, a hat and a gas spray.

3. Protect your privacy

As writes edition Wired, the smartphone broadcasts identification information, and that law enforcement can track which cell towers your phone is connected to and when. The police also use devices that simulate cell towers and deceptive phones in certain areas to connect to them so that police can find out who was where and when.

Knowing this, you might want to leave your mobile phone at home. You probably also want to take the phone with you, but put it in a Faraday bag that blocks radio communications.

4. Know your rights

The right to protest and assemble in groups is enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution. However, in conditions of chaos, unforeseen situations may arise, and therefore it is so important to know your rights.

According to NYCLU, you have such rights and freedoms:

• Freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention. Remember: the reasons for your arrest and the right to access a lawyer must be presented to you.
• You have the right to remain silent and file a complaint with 311In Civil Complaints Authority or contact New York University in case of violation of your rights or the rights of any of your friends.
• In accordance with the First Amendment, you also have the right to take photos and make videos while in a public place, including recording the actions of police officers. At the same time, do not interfere or interfere with law enforcement agencies to record, as this is a violation.

5. Prepare for arrest

In case you are arrested, it is recommended that you have a Legal Aid Society number with you. Record these numbers with a marker on your hand: 1-833-346-6322 or 212-577-3300. You can also get free legal support at the Legal Aid Society around the clock.

You can get comprehensive information about what to do if you are arrested. here.

Recall that New York will join a number of other US cities, where due to fierce protests introduced curfew. It will be valid from 23:00 on Monday (June 1) to 5:00 on Tuesday (June 2).