Arrest of republicans and protestors condemned

Their comments follow the arrest of a man who heckled Prince Andrew as the Queen’s cortege travelled along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

The unnamed 22-year-old was charged with breach of the peace, as was a woman who held up an anti-monarchy sign at the proclamation of King Charles III on Saturday.

Joanna Cherry KC MP said: “I am concerned by reports in Scotland and England of seemingly legitimate protesters being arrested. Whilst many might question whether this is an appropriate time for such protests, the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy and should be facilitated.”

Dean of Faculty, Roddy Dunlop KC, tweeted: “Whilst my own view is that common decency means that now should be a time of reflection rather than protest, the right to protest is a fundamental one and should not be restrained unless the criminal law is being broken.

“There’s also a difference between protest and abuse.”

Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland director of Amnesty International UK, said: “It’s incredibly important that at all times – even those of national mourning – that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are upheld. No one should be arrested for peacefully expressing their opinion.

“Protest can be annoying – or even upsetting, to some – but it is absolutely essential for a rights respecting society.”

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, however, wrote: “I am a strong believer in free speech and the right of peaceful protest, but the notion that anyone helps their cause by shouting abuse at mourners in a funeral procession is absurd.”