British police have faced criticism from activists and civil liberties groups over their treatment of people who have publicly challenged King Charles III‘s accession to the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, raising free speech concerns.
A woman in Edinburgh holding a sign reading “F*** imperialism, abolish the monarchy” was charged with a breach of the peace while another woman in London was moved from the gates of Parliament while carrying a “Not my king” sign.
In recent days, police have arrested people protesting against the monarchy, raising questions about the authorities’ upholding of the freedom of speech.
A man was charged with a breach of the peace after he heckled Prince Andrew as the queen’s hearse travelled through the Scottish capital.
Lawyer Paul Powlesland said he was questioned by police outside Parliament on Monday while carrying a blank piece of paper on which he, too, planned to write “Not my king.”
In footage shot by Powlesland, an officer is heard saying “it may offend someone” if he wrote the words. Powlesland called the police behaviour “outrageous.”
NotMyKing has become a trending hashtag on Twitter.
Credit: aljazeera.com
