Several arrests made as anti-monarchy protesters gather near coronation route
The leader of Britain's largest anti-monarchy group was among demonstrators arrested by police near the coronation procession route, according to protesters.
Graham Smith was detained on Saturday morning, a member of the Republic group’s parent organization, the Alliance of European Republican Movements (AERM), said in a video shared on social media.
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: "Earlier today we arrested four people in the area of St Martin’s Lane. They were held on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance."
A further three people were arrested "on suspicion of possessing articles to cause criminal damage," the force added. And "a number of arrests" have been made of people suspected of breaching the peace.
Republic had said earlier on Twitter that police "won't say" why their demonstrators were detained. "So much for the right to peaceful protest," the group said.
The group claimed it was expecting between 1,500 and 2,000 people to join the group at its protest in Trafalgar Square, just south of the royal procession route.
"Instead of a coronation we want an election. Instead of Charles we want a choice. It’s that simple," the group tweeted on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police has been scrutinized for its tough approach toward protests around the coronation.
"Our tolerance for any disruption, whether through protest or otherwise, will be low," the force wrote on Twitter this week. "We will deal robustly with anyone intent on undermining this celebration."
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