Law enforcement dispersed Operation Dudula demonstrators with tear gas and rubber bullets after members attempted to advance beyond their allocated protest zone near the G20 summit venue in Johannesburg. Security forces detained several activists who challenged restrictions meant to protect international delegates attending the gathering at Nasrec Expo Centre, where authorities had stationed thousands of additional officers.
The anti-immigration organization voiced opposition to government spending on the international conference while citizens face unemployment exceeding 30 percent, alongside persistent corruption and service delivery failures. Movement leader Zandile Dabula received pepper spray treatment from police before being assisted to her vehicle, prompting criticism of what the group characterized as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Officials defended their response as necessary to prevent disruptions during the continental summit hosting dozens of world leaders, though civil liberties advocates questioned whether authorities adequately balanced constitutional assembly rights with security imperatives.
The anti-immigration organization voiced opposition to government spending on the international conference while citizens face unemployment exceeding 30 percent, alongside persistent corruption and service delivery failures. Movement leader Zandile Dabula received pepper spray treatment from police before being assisted to her vehicle, prompting criticism of what the group characterized as excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
Officials defended their response as necessary to prevent disruptions during the continental summit hosting dozens of world leaders, though civil liberties advocates questioned whether authorities adequately balanced constitutional assembly rights with security imperatives.
