The fact that the police in London arrested several people on Coronation Day triggered a lot of criticism. The authority apologizes – but those affected are announcing the consequences.
After sharp criticism of the arrest of several opponents of the monarchy on the verge of the coronation of King Charles III. the London police have been self-critical. The authority emphasized that it “regrets” that six people could not have taken part in protests as a result. Those affected no longer have to fear the consequences. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, on the other hand, defended the new, controversial legislation on which the arrests were based.
People have the right to protest freely and peacefully, Sunak said on Tuesday. “But it’s also true that people have the opportunity to go about their daily lives without serious disruption.” The police have now been given the necessary powers, Sunak said. Thank you to everyone who made the coronation celebrations run smoothly and successfully. At the same time, the prime minister emphasized that the police acted independently of the government. “They make decisions on the ground as they see fit.”
New law against demonstrations
During the coronation ceremony on Saturday, dozens of anti-monarchy and climate activists were arrested before they even started their protest. In total, the police arrested 64 people – in 52 cases the police suspected the people of wanting to disturb public order and thus the coronation ceremonies. Charges have been filed in four cases so far.
The precautionary arrests were made possible by a new law (Public Order Bill), which only came into force days before the coronation. Among other things, forms of protest such as chaining or sticking to objects and other people were made a criminal offence. Members of the conservative government had repeatedly sharply condemned large-scale protests by climate protection groups. According to critics, the right to demonstrate is now being significantly restricted.
Several Scotland Yard officials apologized personally to the head of the anti-monarchy organization Republic, Graham Smith, who had to spend 16 hours in police custody. “They seemed quite embarrassed to be honest,” Smith told the British PA news agency. The quick apology shows that the police made a serious mistake. However, he did not accept the apology. “There are many questions to be answered and we will take action,” said Smith.
The police emphasized: “It was not our intention to prevent protests.” Other protests on Coronation Day would have taken place.
