New protest method against dictators

Protesters in Minsk

When flash mobs started up a few years back, there was concern by repressive governments that they could be a vehicle for government protesters to organize. That has proven very true during this year's Arab spring and summer. So what's the next thing? How about clapping protests or cell-phone protests?

Read this Times article about how protesters in Russia and Belarus are gathering and then showing their disdain for their government by clapping. The police are aware of the tactic and are arresting people for even these ludicrous reasons, causing the protesters to resort to protesting by having their phones ring simultaneously.

What does this leave us with? Repressive governments arresting people for having their phones go off! It is an interesting form of free speech and non-violent protest that results in people being charged with...what exactly? I like the trend. Keep it up people!