How many people did those tanks and guns kill before they finally stopped? Even if there were heightened emotions at the protests, were there no other ways the military and police could have mediated the situation?
The military and police were armed with sophisticated weapons and equipment, and drove big tanks, while the protestors had only iron bars and wooden sticks to protect themselves, or were even defenseless. Even if emotions were heightened, who would have been able to create more injury?
Other than the violent suppression and massacre, are we saying there was no other way to soothe tempers?
