Answer: The object of the preposition by means of is "protest".
Explanation:<u> The object of the preposition is a noun or a pronoun that completes a prepositional phrase</u> which has been introduced by a preposition. Most times, this noun or pronoun is found to the right of the preposition. Moreover, in some cases, a gerund can also function as object of the preposition, In the sentence provided,<u> the object of the proposition is a noun ("protest") and it is found to the right of "by means of". </u>
Prepositions are linking words which express how the different elements in a sentence or clause are related. Examples of prepositions <em>are at, on, in, upon, by </em>and <em>of</em>.
In the sentence given, the preposition <em>by means of</em> means <em>through </em>or <em>by virtue of</em>. Besides, the object of the preposition is usually the noun, person or thing which follows it and which is its recipent, such as <em>protest.</em>
