Financial news

Protesters arrested prior to anti-monarchy demonstration at UK coronation – JURIST

The UK Metropolitan police arrested protesters of anti-monarchy group Republic as they prepared to protest the coronation of King Charles III.  Police state concerns were raised particularly about the type of alarm the group had intended to use, which is known to scare horses and create public safety risks.A press release issued by Republic describes the arrests as an ‘attack on democracy and fundamental rights’. The arrests took place while the group was unloading placards from their truck, therefore before the protest itself had taken place. Republic had been issued a warning before the coronation, warning that the 2023 Public Order Act had been incorporated into the law. The act gives police more powers of arrest relating to protests to ‘prevent public disruption’.Activists group view the arrests as an attack on protections and the right to protest, especially after the recent  introduction of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Republic CEO Graham Smith says that the arrests were ‘predetermined’ which was planned to occur ‘regardless of the evidence or actions’. He says that the Metropolitan police’s actions have broken the relationship of trust that exists between themselves and civilians who want to exercise their rights to protest. He ends his statement stating that the group will continue to be active. The arrests are prompting criticism from activists groups such as Human Rights Watch. Labour MP Clive Lewis is a supporter of Republic, and planned to speak at the protest.Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan stated they are “aware of and understand” the concerns raised by various groups as a result of these arrests, and are continuing to investigate.