The Scottish Greens have referred to as on Scotland’s high police officer to offer solutions over the arrest of individuals protesting towards the monarchy throughout occasions to mark the demise of the Queen.
The late monarch died on September 8, prompting quite a few ceremonial occasions in Edinburgh that drew hundreds of individuals to look at her coffin because it made its technique to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles’ Cathedral within the capital.
In the course of the proclamation of King Charles III, a 22-year-old girl was arrested in reference to a breach of the peace after an anti-monarchy signal was held up, whereas one other 22-year-old man was arrested in reference to the identical offence after Prince Andrew was heckled as he walked in a procession of the Queen’s coffin on its technique to the cathedral.
A 3rd man, 74, pled responsible to breach of the peace close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and acquired a £350 high quality.
Different cases of arrests additionally befell at occasions to commemorate the late Queen south of the border.
In response to the arrests, Scottish Inexperienced justice spokeswoman Maggie Chapman stated she could be writing to Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone and has tabled questions within the Scottish Parliament on the problem.
“We're conscious of quite a few regarding incidents involving Police Scotland and members of the general public throughout occasions final week,” she stated.
“Given Scotland’s proud custom of freedom of speech and peaceable protest, we're in search of pressing clarification as to what occurred and why Police Scotland deemed it essential to intervene in the way in which they did.
“With some proceedings remaining lively, we're restricted in what we are able to say.
“Nevertheless, free speech and democracy are the very bedrock on which the Scottish Parliament was based.
“Any motion taken must be acceptable and in line with this founding precept.
“That's the reason I've tabled questions and am writing to Police Scotland as a matter of urgency.”
In her letter to the chief constable, the Inexperienced MSP stated: “Free speech and the precise to protest are cornerstones of our democracy.
“I passionately imagine within the significance of every of those rights, even when the views expressed by folks exercising them are views with which I disagree.
“I'm additionally of the agency perception that, in a functioning democracy, views that run opposite to these of the institution ought to be allowed to be expressed, so long as they don't incite hate.
“Police Scotland has the duty and responsibility to guard the rights of all folks in Scotland, not simply these in energy or in management positions.”
Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark is because of ask a topical query in Holyrood on the matter on Wednesday afternoon.
Forward of asking her query, Ms Clark stated: “The tone because the Queen’s passing has been overwhelmingly respectful, together with amongst non-monarchists.
“Nevertheless, the heavy-handed use of breach of the peace powers to quell dissent by protesters ought to concern us all.
“Arresting folks for heckling or holding indicators bearing republican slogans are usually not the hallmarks of a wholesome democratic nation.
“I imagine Police Scotland should clarify their actions and will probably be writing to name for readability and justification for his or her policing techniques over the previous week and a half.
“Scrutinising such actions could guarantee incidents like this are usually not repeated and persons are in a position to voice their opinions on the royal household in a peaceable method.”