Scotland Yard asserts that people “certainly have the right” to protest the monarchy after a man carrying a blank sheet of paper was warned that he could “offend someone.”
The Met says it is “aware” of an online video in which a man is warned that writing “not my king” on a piece of paper may “offend people.”
Paul Powlesland filmed a confrontation he had with a police officer in Parliament Square, prompting the Metropolitan Police to publish a statement.
The 36-year-old can be heard asking, “Why do you want my information?”
The officer responds, “So I can verify that you’re allowed to be here, as you’ve already mentioned being arrested once.”
Mr. Powlesland says, “No, I stated that other individuals had been arrested. I was holding a blank sign. Why are you asking me for specifics?”
“Because you claimed you were going to write offensive material on it,” the officer explains.
Mr. Powlesland states, “I stated I would write “not my king” on a sign.”
The police responds, “You could potentially offend someone.”
The officer warned Mr. Powlesland that he would be arrested if he continued to write “not my king” on the paper.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy stated that the Metropolitan Police Department was “informed” of the footage.
He said, “The people have an absolute right to demonstrate, and we will continue to make this plain to all officers involved in the tremendous police operation that is presently underway.”
Earlier in the day, police removed a demonstrator carrying a homemade placard that read “not my king” from the Palace of Westminster.
Yesterday morning, it occurred as King Charles was about to appear in Westminster Hall to deliver a speech to members of parliament and peers.
After speaking with the woman, officers escorted her away.
Police Scotland stated that a 22-year-old male was arrested on Monday afternoon “in connection with a disturbance on the Royal Mile.”
Ruth Smeeth, chief executive officer of Index on Censorship, described the arrests as “very worrisome” and added, “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to protest, must be maintained under all circumstances.”
Silkie Carlo, the director of Big Brother Watch, stated, “If people are detained just for waving protest banners, it is an affront to democracy and is very likely illegal.”
The ability to choose what, how, and when to protest is essential to a healthy and functioning democracy, according to Jodie Beck, policy and campaigns officer at Liberty.
