Dozens were arrested during the coronation of King Charles III this past weekend. Image source: United Kingdom Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Members of the Republic group, an anti-monarchist group in the United Kingdom (UK) have criticised the policing of King Charles III’ coronation, saying Britain no longer has a right to peaceful protest after dozens or protestors were arrested and detained throughout the event.
Among the thousands of people in the crowd gathered in London for the coronation of King Charles were hundreds of republicans booing and waving banners saying “Not My King”.
Leader of the Republic group, Graham Smith, was arrested along with dozens of others prior to the procession beginning.
According to Republic, its members began to be released late on Saturday evening (local time), after close to 16 hours in custody.
“This was a heavy-handed action which had the appearance of a pre-determined arrest that would have occurred regardless of the evidence or our actions. The right to protest peacefully in the UK no longer exists,” said Smith in a statement.
“These arrests were not about protecting people from harm, but about protecting the King from embarrassment.”
On Sunday, London police said that 64 arrests had been made during the coronation for offences ranging from breach of the peace and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
According to London Police, they understood public concern, but the arrest were made after they received information that the protestors were determined to disrupt the coronation procession.
London’s Metropolitan Police said that their duty to prevent disruption outweighed the right to protest.
On the Friday prior to King Charles’ coronation, London police chief Mark Rowley had warned that police would take action if protesters attempted to “obstruct the enjoyment and celebration” of people, and would have a “very low tolerance” for any disruption.
A new policing law passed last year gave police were given additional powers to reduce protests, along with a public order act that came into force on May 3.
One person had been charged under the public order act, while the others were released on bail.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese was also present at the coronation, swearing allegiance to King Charles, despite himself being in favour of Australia becoming a republic.
