A number of demonstrators were detained by police in the days leading up to King Charles III’s coronation in downtown London, which has drawn criticism from anti-monarchy groups.
Graham Smith, the CEO of Republic, was among those detained after police allegedly recovered numerous lock-on devices as well as hundreds of posters.
In accordance with this week’s legislation, protestors who possess an item with the aim to use it to “lock on” may be fined, and those who obstruct roadways may be sentenced to one year in prison.
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Tweeted video appeared to show police apprehending protesters wearing yellow ‘Not My King’ t-shirts, with one officer reportedly remarking, “They are under arrest, end of.”
A royal devotee who was wearing a Union Jack flag on his head was also captured on camera as police handcuffed him.
Tweets from the Alliance of European Republican Movements seem to show Smith, getting his information collected and being detained by police as part of their investigation.
Group director Harry Stratton, who was present when his six coworkers were arrested, denied that any megaphones or locking chains were being carried or seized. He also claimed that they had not broken any of the rules set forth by the force in a series of meetings, including the prohibition against bringing up Prince Andrew and the sex allegations against him, which he denies.
A campaigner asserted that the straps holding their banners had been “misconstrued” as something that could be used for locking on, while Stratton accused police of “intentionally picking them out.”
Symon Hill, a 46-year-old protester who had previously been detained for yelling “who elected him?” during a proclamation ceremony for the King, expressed his optimism that he wouldn’t be detained once more.
The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew charges against Hill for using obscene or abusive language and disorderly conduct that was likely to harass, alarm, or distress.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 people were expected to congregate starting at 8am, but it barely seems like a few dozen have arrived.
The organization wants the protest to be seen as the newly crowned King and Queen Camilla drive through Trafalgar Square on their way in the Gold State Coach from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace.
Demonstrators were wearing T-shirts and badges with the phrase “not my king” as well as a giant yellow banner with the words “abolish the monarchy” that had been unveiled.
In an effort to get a prime location when the royal procession passes, hundreds of royal supporters stood in front of them facing The Mall.
There were many sporting Union Jack caps or plastic crowns, and there was a sizable police presence.
