Clad in wizard robes and striped scarves, young protesters in Thailand went full-on “Harry Potter” realness during a rally yesterday, Aug. 3. In the gathering, protesters even brought scarecrow versions of Voldemort to the streets in a bid to cast a “spell” for democracy and curb the powers of King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s monarchy.

South China Morning Post reports that for more than two weeks, young Thais have been organizing protests at universities and town halls to condemn Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s “military-aligned” government.

These protests are also borne out of people’s criticism against Thailand’s lèse-majesté law. According to BBC, this law, which is one of harshest in the world, forbids insults to the monarchy. 

Since it was “increasingly enforced” when the Thai military rose to power in 2014, harsh jail sentences—up to 15 years per charge—have been part of the law’s merciless nature. Any criticism by Thai media has always been forbidden. 

Prominent lawyer Anon Nampa accused the government of “taking on increasing powers that undermined democracy and of inaction in the face of attacks on opponents of the government of prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former junta leader.” 

During the rally, protesters waved their magic wands for democracy while holding a refresher on the “Harry Potter” plot, which revolves around vanquishing injustices. In 2020, who would’ve thought we’d see the youth casting “Relashio!” on a monarchy?

Still from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows”