Would that sort of protest work in the US though?
In the USA it would be like this...
Protester: Give in to my demands or I'll cut myself.
Cop: [cop pepper sprays person]
Cop: OK put the knife down.
Black Protester: Give in to my demands or I'll cut myself.
Cop: Tase him bro
Cop: Handcuff him
Cop: [Rolls protester onto his back and accidentally shoots him 5 times.]
Cop: Sweet. Paid leave for a few months while this n00bs family bitches.