NanaDana
I fully support the right to peaceful protest, provided it is non-violent, non-disruptive, and does not become a "public nuisance". So yes, it was most definitely a tough call for the Met on the day, for a once in a lifetime event for which tens of thousands of people had turned out and hoped to enjoy without undue interference. It appears that some protesters were carrying "lock-on devices" with which they could secure themselves to railings etc., plus, rape alarms were being distributed, which were going to be used to attempt to frighten the many horses involved in the parade. So in some ways for the police it was always going to be a case of "damned if you do, and damned if you don't". On that basis, I can quite understand why they may have erred on the side of being over-zealous, as to under-react could have threatened public safety. I suspect that the tens of thousands who turned out to enjoy the day would agree. Peaceful protest.. no problem. Anything beyond that, no thanks.
I don't know where you got your information from, ND but it's a fine example of truth distortion.
Have you read the police's apology?
The 'lock on' devices were a couple of padlocks which the police recognise in their apology as being carried for entirely innocent purposes.
The rape alarms belonged to some night time safety group volunteers, who actually work regularly with the police! I assume that they regularly carry them for their own protection. They weren't handed out', they were regular equipment. The group had nothing at all to do with any protest group, but were held in custody for 16 hours...
Police horses are trained to be 'bombproof'. Rape alarms wouldn't bother them in the slightest, nor would they have bothered the military horses.
There was never any intention for the protest to be anything but peaceful.
When this draconian and heavy handed legislation was passed people were warning that it was wide open to abuse. So it has proved to be.
I think it would be amazing if Charles were to express some disappointment at the police action.. after all, isn't the monarch supposed to be a defender of our freedoms... including freedom to disagree and freedom to protest..😆
I'm not even anti monarchy, BTW. Just anti repressive authoritarianism. And horrified by the attitudes of some posters.