Protesters raised their voices against the proclamation of King Charles III with a few people arrested in London, Scotland and Oxford. The Metropolitan Police issued a statement following a viral video from Parliament Square in central London, when a lawyer holding a white piece of paper asked an officer for his details. “We are aware of a video online which shows an officer speaking to a member of the public outside the Palace of Westminster earlier today,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cuddy said. “The public absolutely have a right to protest and we have made this clear to all officers involved in the emergency police operation currently taking place and will continue to do so. “However, the vast majority of interactions between officers and the public at this time have been positive as people have come to the capital to mourn the loss of Her Late Majesty The Queen.” The remarks came amid a police crackdown on several anti-monarchy protesters, including a lawyer and nature rights activist who said he had “a blank piece of paper”. Paul Powlesland, 36, from Barking in east London, traveled to the center of the capital on Monday afternoon to have to film his questioning by an officer for his details. “Why would you ask for my information?” Mr Powlesland is heard asking the officer in one video, who responded by saying: “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have bail conditions.” Another protester carrying a handmade sign reading ‘not my king’ was turned away from the Palace of Westminster by police as Charles III was due to arrive to address MPs. A woman was also arrested on Sunday in Edinburgh after holding an anti-monarchy sign ahead of the declaration of accession. The 22-year-old was charged with breach of peace. In another case, a man was arrested for shouting “Andrew, you sick old man!” as the Queen’s coffin passed through Edinburgh. The arrests of anti-monarchy protesters have been described as “deeply disturbing” and an “insult to democracy” by free speech and human rights advocates. “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the right to protest, is something that must be protected regardless of the circumstances,” said Ruth Smeeth, chief executive of Index on Censorship. “People across the country and beyond continue to mourn the loss of the Queen, a loss that was keenly felt by so many. However, we must guard against this event being used, by accident or design, to in any way erode the freedom of expression enjoyed by the citizens of this country.” Additional reports from agencies
