"Public protest" refers to a gathering or demonstration by a group of people who are expressing their disagreement or opposition to a particular issue or government action in a public place. Full definition
In spite of public protest over these assessments, they are most likely here to stay. (myimprov.com)
Several previous governments have tried to remove the subsidy but have backed down in the face of widespread public protests and reduced it instead. (bbc.co.uk)
But it seems safe to say that we are going through a phase of public protests around the world. (totalpolitics.com)