Anti-Monarchist Group Criticizes Arrest at the Coronation of King Charles III

JAKARTA - Anti-monarchy groups on Sunday criticized the arrests by police during the coronation of England's King Charles III, saying there was no longer any right to peaceful protests in Britain, after dozens of protesters were arrested and held into the evening.

Police arrested Graham Smith, leader of the Republican group, and dozens of others in central London as thousands of royal fans gathered in the capital for the event on Saturday, saying their duty to prevent disturbance outweighed the right to protest.

Republic said its members began being released on Saturday night after nearly 16 hours in detention.

"This is a crackdown that appears like a predetermined arrest that will occur, regardless of the evidence or our actions. The right to protest peacefully in the UK no longer exists," Smith said in a statement, reported by Reuters, May 8.

"This arrest was not to protect people from harm, but to protect the King from embarrassment," he criticized.

Meanwhile, London's Metropolitan Police said late on Sunday a total of 64 arrests had been made on Saturday for offences, including breach of order and conspiracy to cause a public disturbance.

One was charged under the public order law, while the other was released on bail.

Police said Saturday they understood the public's concern following the arrests. However, they acted after receiving information that protesters were determined to disrupt the coronation procession.

Earlier, London police chief Mark Rowley warned on Friday that police would take action if protesters tried to "stun the joy and celebration" of people, saying there would be "very low tolerance" for disturbance.

Police have gained further powers to curtail protests under a new police law passed last year, and a public order law that took effect on May 3.

Separately, Culture Minister Lucy Frazer said she had the utmost confidence in the police, adding they were on point in taking strong action against incidents that could raise questions about national security.

"I think overall (police) managed to get the balance right," Frazer told Sky News.