<p>Political protests often follow expected scripts, but some moments—like shirtless youth demonstrators—stand out. Here are six times protests took surprising turns and captured widespread attention.</p><img><p>Youth Congress activists stripped shirts in protest, drawing attention to dissent over policies at AI Impact Summit 2026. The unexpected action sparked widespread reactions online and offline.</p><img><p>Protesters used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas, turning them into a symbol of resistance. The movement demanded democratic reforms and greater autonomy from China.</p><img><p>Led by Leymah Gbowee, women launched a sex strike to push for peace during Liberia’s civil war. The movement became a powerful example of non-violent resistance influencing political change.</p><img><p>Activists planted flowers in potholes to creatively highlight poor road maintenance. The quirky protest drew attention while pressuring authorities to fix civic infrastructure.</p><img><p>Peruvians gathered in Lima to wash their national flag as a symbolic protest against corruption. The act reflected public anger and a call to cleanse governance during Alberto Fujimori’s rule.</p><img><p>John Lennon and Yoko Ono turned their honeymoon into a protest by staying in bed and inviting media discussions on peace. The unusual act became a global anti-war symbol during the Vietnam era.</p>
