Scotland Yard says folks “absolutely have a right to protest” in regards to the monarchy after a person carrying a clean piece of paper was informed he may “offend someone”.
The Metropolitan Police issued a press release after a barrister, Paul Powlesland, filmed an altercation he had with an officer in Parliament Square.
The 36-year-old could be heard saying: “Why would you ask for my details?”
The officer replies: “So I can check and make sure you can be here. You’ve already said you’ve been arrested once.”
Mr Powlesland responds: “No, I said other people had been arrested. I was holding up a blank sign. Why are you asking for me details?”
The officer says: “Because you said you were going to write stuff on it that may offend people.”
Mr Powlesland says: “I said I was going to write ‘not my king’ on a sign.”
The officer replies: “You may offend someone.”
Mr Powlesland mentioned the officer informed him he risked being arrested if he had gone forward and written “not my king” on the paper.
Read extra: Could an anti-monarchy placard get you arrested after the Queen’s dying?
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy mentioned the Met was “aware” of the video.
He added: “The public absolutely have a right of protest and we have been making this clear to all officers involved in the extraordinary policing operation currently in place and we will continue do so.”
Earlier within the day, a protester bearing a hand-crafted signal saying “not my king” was ushered away from the Palace of Westminster by police.
It occurred as King Charles was attributable to arrive to tackle MPs and friends in Westminster Hall yesterday morning.
Police spoke to the girl earlier than escorting her away.
Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts
On Monday afternoon, a 22-year-old man was arrested “in connection with a breach of the peace on the Royal Mile”, Police Scotland mentioned.
Ruth Smeeth, chief govt of Index on Censorship, mentioned the arrests have been “deeply concerning”, including: “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the right to protest, is something to be protected regardless of circumstance.”
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, mentioned: “If people are being arrested simply for holding protest placards then it is an affront to democracy and highly likely to be unlawful.”
Jodie Beck, coverage and campaigns officer at Liberty, mentioned: “Protest is not a gift from the state, it is a fundamental right. Being able to choose what, how, and when we protest is a vital part of a healthy and functioning democracy.”
Source: information.sky.com”