4. Persons with disabilities 4.1. Persons with disabilities exercising their right of peaceful assembly must be treated with respect. 4.2. Steps should be taken to accommodate their unique physical and mental characteristics. The following measures are recommended in this regard: 4.2.1. Promote awareness among officers that persons with disabilities also participate in protests. 4.2.2. Recognize that persons with disabilities who are assisted by service dogs, canes, wheelchairs, or other technical aids should not be separated from them, either at the protest site or at the police station. ii. Special Groups The following groups of persons warrant the special protection and consideration of the police and tri-forces: 1. The Media 2. Clergy 3. Bystanders 1. The Media 1.1. The media has a pre-eminent role and performs essential functions in any State governed by the rule of law. The role of the media as a ‘public watchdog’ is to gather and impart information on matters of public interest- information the public has the right to know. The role of the media representatives is of particular importance in this context, since their presence is a guarantee that the authorities, the demonstrators, and the public at large can be held to account for their conduct, including the methods used to control or disperse the protesters, or to preserve the public order. 38