The people in protests briefly (5)

I believe the answer is:

demos

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'protests briefly' is the definition.
'demos' can be an answer for 'protests' (demonstrations). I am not sure about the 'briefly' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for demos that I've seen before include "masses" , "The populace" , "protests" , "mass rallies?" , "The people (Greek)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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