PORTLAND: Balloons are perhaps not a frequent sight at protests, but the two clutched by Devon Fredericksen in the streets of Portland tell the story — together, they read 57.

“I think it’s crazy that it’s been 57 days and we’re still pushing for more change,” Fredericksen said. “How much longer is this going to take past 57?” The city, the biggest in the US state of Oregon, has seen nightly demonstrations against racism and police brutality for nearly two months, initially sparked by the death in Minneapolis of unarmed African American George Floyd.

It is also now the scene of a controversial crackdown by federal agents ordered by US President Donald Trump — one that is not supported by local officials.

Thursday’s mainly peaceful demonstration ended like many before it — in a showdown between protesters and police, which escalated in a haze of tear gas and flash bangs. Clashes erupted by around midnight, though the two sides were separated by a protective fence reinforced by a barricade.

Protesters targeted the federal courthouse, a flashpoint in the demonstrations — hurling trash and launching fireworks over the fence. Blazes sprang up.

Federal agents wearing fatigues lobbed tear gas canisters back at demonstrators, used flash bangs and fired pepper balls, after declaring the gathering unlawful.

At about 1:30 am, law enforcement moved from behind the fence into the streets, advancing on protesters.

Though most demonstrators initially took to the streets after Floyd’s death in late May to call for police accountability and reform, some say they now have different reasons.

On Thursday, the hundreds of protesters chanted “Black Lives Matter” — but also “Feds go home.” “I never thought that I would have to be out here in the streets of my city having to do this,” said one demonstrator, who only gave his first name, Steve.

“It seems to me like it’s one small step away from full-fledged military occupation of a free city that has every right to be here and to do this.” He carried a sign with a quote from a postwar confessional speech by German pastor Martin Niemoller — “Then they came for me.” Steve also said he came out Thursday because he supports the Black Lives Matter movement, and because Floyd’s death should frighten people of all races.

“Black people have been struggling for an equal existence forever, so that’s nothing new,” he said.

“But the fact that it’s been recorded and distributed... (it) is really starting to get through to more people now, how atrocious the situation is,” he explained.

“I think it’s a great thing that the message is getting out, but it had to happen in the most tragic way and the most terrifying way. Everyone should be terrified.”

UN calls on US to ensure right to peaceful protests

The UN warned on Friday against using excessive force against demonstrators and media in the United States, and said the deployment of unidentified officers increased the risk of human rights violations.

Responding to questions about violent clashes in the US city of Portland between federal forces and demonstrators protesting against racism and police brutality, a UN spokeswoman stressed that the right to peacefully assemble and protest must be protected.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2020