justice
Arrests of opponents of the monarchy: concerns about freedom of expression
The police expels a monarchy opponent in front of the parliament. photo
© Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Not all Britons agree with and protest against the monarchy. Are the police restricting freedom of expression?
Experts are concerned about the climate of intimidation in Britain over the arrests of several anti-monarchy opponents during ceremonies after the Queen’s death. According to the BBC, Ruth Smeeth, head of the Index on Censorship organization, described the events as “very worrying” and demanded that the royal ceremonies should neither intentionally nor unintentionally restrict citizens’ freedom of expression.
In Scotland, two 22-year-olds have been arrested for breach of the peace in the past few days when the new king Charles III was proclaimed. and a funeral procession for the Queen.
“Not My King”
There was also an arrest in the English university city of Oxford. Video footage from London also showed police turning away a woman holding a sign that read ‘Not my King’ from the entrance to Parliament.
Jodie Beck of the Liberty organization said it was very worrying that the police were using their powers in a harsh and punitive manner, according to the BBC.
“The opportunity to protest is not a gift from the state, it is a fundamental right,” said Beck. London’s Metropolitan Police pointed to the enormous challenge facing police at the royal mass events, but also reassured the public had a right to protest.