He mixed with the mourning crowd, called Prince Andrew a “sick old man” and was arrested. The 22-year-old Briton was reported to be a disturbance of the peace. Meanwhile, voices are mounting criticizing the police’s intervention against the excessive demonstrations of opponents of the monarchy and speaking of a climate of intimidation.
“Andrew, you are a sick old man,” shouted the young man, dressed in an Australian rules football shirt, as King Charles III on Monday. and his siblings Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward paraded through Edinburgh with the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II. But other onlookers probably didn’t think that was appropriate and wrestled the demonstrators down with the help of a police officer.
“That’s disgusting. I didn’t do anything”
“That’s disgusting. I didn’t do anything”, the young man heard shouting moments later when the police took him away (see also the video above). A woman standing nearby urged officers to release the detainee. But her voice was drowned out when suddenly “God save the king” was shouted.
As has now become known, a complaint has been filed against the 22-year-old for disturbing the peace. According to media reports, this is the second such ad. On Sunday, a woman attended the proclamation of King Charles III’s accession to the throne. also arrested for breach of the peace. The woman, also 22, held up a sign outside St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh that read: “Fuck imperialism, abolish monarchy!”
Following this and other arrests of opponents of the monarchy during ceremonies for the Queen, there is also a debate in Britain about a possible lack of freedom of expression. Ruth Smeets, head of the Index on Censorship organization, described the police intervention in response to protests against the monarchy as “deeply disturbing,” according to the BBC. The royal ceremonies must not intentionally or unintentionally restrict the freedom of expression of citizens.
Police assured: there is a right to protest
Jodie Beck of the Liberty organization said it was deeply disturbing that the police used their powers in a harsh and punitive manner, the BBC said. London’s Metropolitan Police pointed to the enormous challenge the police face at the royal mass events, but also assured the public had the right to protest.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
