Dozens of people were arrested during the King’s Coronation in London, including the leader of a prominent anti-monarchy group, according to the city’s Metropolitan Police. A total of 52 arrests were made for a range of reasons, with all individuals remaining in custody.
The arrest of anti-monarchy protesters earlier in the day was deemed “alarming” by human rights groups, although police defended their actions, stating that officers had acted proportionally under the law. Commander Karen Findlay, leading the day’s operation, emphasized that while the protest is lawful and can be disruptive, officers have a duty to intervene “when protest becomes criminal and may cause serious disruption”.
The heavy-handed enforcement allegations began early on the day of the Coronation, when Graham Smith, the chief executive of the anti-monarchist campaign group Republic, was arrested at a protest in Trafalgar Square. Footage showed protesters in “Not My King” t-shirts being detained, including Mr Smith. Republic said they were stopped by police while unloading signs near the procession.
Police stated that 52 arrests were made for offenses including affray, public order offenses, breach of the peace, and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. While the Met did not specify how many arrests were of anti-monarchy protesters, environmental groups claimed that about 13 protesters were arrested on the Mall in London and five others in Downing Street.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch UK, expressed concern over the arrests of peaceful protesters, describing the situation as “incredibly alarming.” Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters gathered in central London, chanting “Down with the Crown,” “Don’t talk to the police,” and “Get a real job.” Protests were also held in Cardiff, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, but no arrests were reported outside London.
During the Coronation ceremony, which was broadcast in Trafalgar Square over loudspeakers, hundreds of protesters booed the declarations of “God Save the King.” The police were criticized for seizing signs from the back of a lorry reading “Not my king.” Republic posted photos on Twitter of police officers taking details from those who were arrested, claiming that the force did not provide the reasons for the arrests.
