Let's just say that I (a 68 year old, non-violent, professor) had two dedicated officers with me for four hours. I think they felt the whole situation was absurd - "I'm sorry we have to meet in these circumstances", they said as they arrested me.

As for the 'justice' minister praising the bravery of the police (as one of the 68 year-olds arrested, I just saw dignity among the protestors, not a sniff of violence), and then saying we will receive 'the full force of the law'. It is straight out of the autocratic playbook.

Take it as a compliment ❤️

Agreed! I was pointed to this quote from ‘The Bright Side’ by Sumit Paul-Choudhury today, which resonates (though need to add 'the rise of autocracy' to the list at the start.

She would have got me any which way. Play clever, she disarms with common sense. Play funny, she's serious. Play straight, she disrupts laterally. It's a brilliant performance.