British police can now crack down even harder on protests that the government does not like, such as those by environmentalists. A controversial law has been in effect since Sunday that prohibits the methods used by the demonstrators, such as walking slowly, under threat of prison.
For example, anyone who builds or remains in a tunnel to cause serious disruption can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison and obstruction of important transport facilities can be sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison.
The Conservative government has committed to freedom of demonstration, but has sharply criticized radical forms of protest. “Hardworking people want to go about their daily lives without being disturbed by a selfish minority,” Interior Secretary Suella Braverman said. “The public is tired of having their lives disrupted by selfish protesters. The chaos we saw in our streets was outrageous.”
Warning against authoritarian tendencies
Critics warn against authoritarian tendencies, because the tightening of the law endangers the right to demonstrate. The government had previously severely restricted the rights of protesters. For example, police officers can arrest anyone they believe may disturb public order.
Officials first exercised this right on the outskirts of King Charles III’s coronation. used – and were sharply criticized for it.
Source: Krone
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