British police mourn arrest of leader of anti-monarchist group

British police have lamented the arrests of anti-royalist protesters during King Charles’s coronation, saying they will not face criminal prosecution after criticism that the security forces’ response was heavy. London’s Metropolitan Police said six people were arrested on Saturday under new powers under the Public Order Act, a law to curb protests that came into effect days before the coronation, Britain’s biggest ceremony in 70 years. As the crowd gathered, police arrested the leader of the anti-monarchist campaign group República and other members who planned to participate in the protest. The incident cast a shadow over what would otherwise have been a weekend of largely positive coverage for the royal family. Police said the protesters were arrested because they had items that could be used on the coronation route. The group claimed the items were to protect the posters. The police force said an investigation team had subsequently examined the items and no further action would be taken. Police “regretted” that protesters were prevented from protesting. Graham Smith, head of República and one of the six protesters arrested, stated that he previously warned the police about what type of material they would be carrying and where they would be. “I believe there was a premeditated decision even before we arrived to arrest ourselves,” he told Reuters. “If they were trying to diminish our publicity, it backfired. What happened went around the world.” Smith said police personally apologized to him on Monday, but plan to speak with lawyers about taking legal action. *Reproduction of this content is prohibited

Agência Brasil