He paid the fine 'under protest'. [=he paid the fine although he objected to it]
The students launched/held/staged a 'protest' against the tuition increase.
She told him to go to bed despite his 'protests' that he wasn't tired.
(..) This is the miracle I wanted. Get everything he's saying back to that home state! They're going to hear this in Patagonia! In protest the Senate walked out... No, not that straight stuff! Kick it up! Get on his side! - You love this monkey, don't you? - What do you think? Now go to work. (..)1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington