On May 16th, 2021, a group of peaceful protesters gathered at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. The protesters were met with violence from a pro-Israel mob, resulting in several injuries. But what happened next was even more shocking – the police, who were supposed to protect the protesters, shot them in the head with rubber bullets.
This brutal and unjustified use of force has sparked outrage and has led to a lawsuit against the police by the UCLA Gaza protesters. The incident has once again highlighted the need for stricter regulations on the use of rubber bullets, which are known to cause serious injuries and even death.
Rubber bullets, also known as kinetic impact projectiles, are supposed to be a “less-lethal” alternative to live ammunition. They are typically made of rubber or plastic and are intended to be used for crowd control and riot situations. However, their use has been heavily criticized by human rights organizations for causing severe injuries and even death.
In California, the use of rubber bullets is restricted by law. According to the California Penal Code, law enforcement officers are only allowed to use rubber bullets when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily injury or death. They are not meant to be used as a crowd dispersal tool or to target individuals in the head or neck.
Despite these restrictions, the police at UCLA used rubber bullets against peaceful protesters, causing severe injuries. One protester, Nihal, was shot in the head and suffered a concussion and a fractured skull. Another protester, Muhammad, was shot in the chest and experienced difficulty breathing and numbness in his arm.
These shocking and unjustified acts of violence have prompted the UCLA Gaza protesters to take legal action against the police. The lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Southern California, alleges that the police used excessive force and violated the protesters’ constitutional rights.
The use of rubber bullets against peaceful protesters is a clear violation of their right to free speech and assembly. It is unacceptable that in a democratic society, individuals exercising their right to protest are met with such brutal and disproportionate force.
The incident at UCLA is just one example of the excessive use of force by law enforcement against peaceful protesters. In recent years, we have seen numerous cases of police using rubber bullets, tear gas, and other “less-lethal” weapons against protesters, resulting in serious injuries and even death.
It is high time for stricter regulations and accountability for the use of rubber bullets and other “less-lethal” weapons by law enforcement. These weapons should only be used as a last resort and in situations where there is a clear and immediate threat to life.
The UCLA Gaza protesters’ lawsuit is a step in the right direction towards holding law enforcement accountable for their actions. It is also a reminder that we must continue to fight for our right to peacefully protest and speak out against injustice.
We must also recognize the bravery and resilience of the UCLA Gaza protesters, who were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to stand up for what they believe in. Their courage and determination should be applauded, not met with violence.
In the words of Nihal, who was shot in the head with a rubber bullet, “This is not just about me, this is about all of us. We need to stand up for what is right and hold those in power accountable for their actions.”
The use of rubber bullets against peaceful protesters is a grave violation of human rights. It is a stark reminder that we must continue to fight for justice and demand accountability from those in power. We must also continue to show our support for the UCLA Gaza protesters and their fight for justice. Let us stand together in solidarity against injustice and oppression.
