London – There were multiple arrests in London on Saturday morning ahead of the coronation of King Charles III. London’s Metropolitan Police said they arrested “a number” of people on suspicion of things including “conspiracy to cause public nuisance”, “suspicion of breach of the peace” and “suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage”.
The anti-monarchy group Republic tweeted early Saturday that six of its protesters had been arrested.
This morning, @GrahamSmith_ and 5 members of our team were arrested. Hundreds of posters have been confiscated. Is this democracy? #NotMyKing #Coronation
— Republic (@RepublicStaff) May 6, 2023
“Hundreds of banners have been confiscated. Is this democracy?” the group said on twitter.
Anti-monarchy protests had been planned ahead of the coronation of King Charles III, and a major security operation is underway with more than 11,000 police, CBS affiliate BBC News reported.
On Friday, Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said there would be “very low tolerance for disruption”.
A major police operation is underway in central London.
We have made several arrests in the Carlton House Terrace area.
The individuals have been arrested on suspicion of breach of peace.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) May 6, 2023
Republic had asked people to gather in central London wearing yellow on May 6 and carrying signs with slogans such as “not my king” and “abolish the monarchy”.
There had also been reports of possible planned disruptions of the coronation procession by undisclosed activists, UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden told Britain’s Time Radio.
Dowden said the government had received information that some people might try to scare horses on the procession route by sounding trespass alarms. He said the police “will use the full range of powers at their disposal to ensure that public order is maintained and that the ceremony is not disrupted”.
Coronation of King Charles III
More More Haley Ott
Thanks for reading CBS NEWS.
Create your free account or login
for more features.
