I'm not an organizer, never was, even though I've been labeled that multiple times. I've been at most protests in the last decade, from the first ones in Maribor that took down Kangler and his radars, to protests in Zvezda Park a few years ago when police first used the cannon, the old one then, also at right-wing gatherings, several times at Prešeren on Fridays, and at Republic Square. As an observer, photographer, video recorder, reporter, tear gas and I are already on first-name terms.
Usually somewhere on the edge I follow the events. I don't interfere, don't provoke, I'm not in front of megaphones, microphones, don't carry banners, don't chant slogans.
So I'm not misunderstood. Of course I have my opinion. I also comment on the situation, either online or with interlocutors on the square, street, road. I walk around with open eyes, sometimes teary from tear gas, perked-up ears that are often filled with sirens, deafening helicopter noise, explosions, klaxons.
Protests are the foundation. The essence of democracy. I support every person who goes to the street. Even if I don't agree with him. Because he left the safe shelter of the couch and screens. He got up and went. Exposed himself publicly. Said his opinion out loud. Unlike many who are loud only behind the keyboard.
Because he wants something to change. Because he's not satisfied. Because he's had enough.
End of disclaimer.
Today I was returning from the center by bike. Every day I ride through Republic Square. This time understandably slower, zigzagging past protesters. I stop, listen to speakers, after a few minutes I press pedals and try to break through Slovenska towards Vič.
I get stuck between people on one side and armored police units on the other. I pull to the roadside and watch the events. Like many others who were coming from shopping, drinking coffee in nearby cafes, leaving work. Colorful crowd, from elderly ladies, I saw even a mom with a stroller, to schoolkids who confusedly watched the events. The usual city afternoon bustle got a new dimension.
Unusual police cavalry, snarling police dogs, loud police helicopter low over the city, fully protected and armed police turtles. Between fences and police dumpsters blaring their sirens. In the distance I see the water cannon approaching.
Fuck, from peaceful protests in a few minutes it turned into a fuckin' state of war. Throwing tear gas into backs, at passersby, pushing everyone indiscriminately, strong jet of water aimed at everyone who was there. Regardless of whether protester, or dad with a bag from Hofer, student waiting for bus stuck in traffic who knows where. Total chaos in the city center.
Completely irrelevant at this moment who is for PCT and who not, who is vaccinated and who not, who supports which party, or protests or just didn't hide in time.
Janez Janša and his clique no longer choose means. He doesn't care about the people. He doesn't care about the constitution that power in Slovenia belongs to the people.
But what you sow, you reap. Slovenian bends his back for a long time. But the back also breaks once. And then Slovenian strikes. And whoever he hits, that one doesn't get up anymore.
As Matija Gubec, leader of peasant revolts in the Middle Ages, said - the gentry looks great only as long as the people kneel.