The Dey protests emerged amid economic hardship, social dissatisfaction, and political frustration. Demonstrations initially centered on economic grievances but soon expanded to include broader criticisms of governance. In many cities, crowds gathered to voice anger over rising prices, unemployment, and perceived corruption. The rapid spread of protests revealed deep-seated tensions within society. What began as localized gatherings evolved into a nationwide wave of unrest.
Security forces responded with varying degrees of force. Reports described the use of tear gas, arrests, and, in some instances, live ammunition. The state maintained that it was confronting organized attempts to destabilize the system. Protesters and activists, by contrast, described a disproportionate crackdown on largely peaceful demonstrators. The truth likely contains elements of both narratives, but the scale of casualties indicates that violence reached alarming levels.
