Why protests are getting more dangerous

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Lawyers and activists say these incidents fit a pattern of increased police force against protesters &ndash; &nbsp;including so-called &lsquo;less-lethal&rsquo; tools such as baton rounds, flash-bang devices and capsicum spray.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><br />If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.</p> <p><br />Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram</p> <p>Guest: Journalist and author, Ariel Bogle</p> <p>Photo: Alex Zucco / SOPA Images/Sipa USA</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>