Four protesters were arrested on Wednesday along the procession route for King Charles’ Scottish coronation.
Two of those arrested were members of anti-monarchy group No More Royals, while the other two were members of climate activism group This is Rigged.
As of Wednesday evening, the two This Is Rigged protesters remained in custody, while the No More Royals protesters were released with recorded police warnings.
Writing on Twitter, This Is Rigged said: “Hannah and Imogen were arrested at the Scottish Coronation today for simply wearing kilts with ‘This Is Rigged’ printed on the back.
Transcript of Hannah’s words:
— This Is Rigged (@Thisis_Rigged) July 5, 2023
“This Is Rigged are demanding that the Scottish government vocally oppose all new oil and gas licenses. The system is rigged against the people.”
“We consider these unlawful arrests, infringing on our democratic right to protest.”
The Herald reported that the protesters planned on crossing the crowd safety barrier along the Royal Mile and blocking the procession.
A press statement by Police Scotland read: “Two women – aged 20 and 21 – have been arrested in connection with a breach of the peace after allegedly attempting to climb over a crowd safety barrier on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
Two women – aged 20 and 21 – have been arrested in connection with a breach of the peace after allegedly attempting to climb over a crowd safety barrier on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
— Police Scotland (@PoliceScotland) July 5, 2023
Our priority is public safety, balanced against people’s rights #RoyalWeek pic.twitter.com/a3ZFXQURHM
“Our priority is public safety, balanced against people’s rights.”
In a recording taken while apparently being handcuffed by Police Scotland, This Is Rigged activist Hannah said that the protest was aimed at causing the Scottish Government to oppose new oil and gas licenses.
Hannah continued: “Why are we giving the highlands of Scotland to an old man, while we are handing our children, our young people an unlivable future?
“Get your priorities straight!”
Scottish republican group Our Republic posted on Twitter: “We remind Police Scotland of their pledge to defend the right to freedom of speech wherever people’s safety is not at risk.”
Four further attendees of the protest were arrested, with two arrested for alleged threatening behaviour and failing to desist before being released with a recorded police warning.
One of the remaining arrests was for theft, while the other was for an outstanding warrant.
Image via This Is Rigged
