A barrister who held up a blank piece of paper at Parliament Square in London claims he was told he risked being arrested if he wrote “not my king” on it.
Paul Powlesland, a tenant at Garden Court Chambers who specialises in, among other things, protest rights, is understood to have travelled into the capital on Monday after becoming concerned at reports of police targeting members of the public “exercising rights to freedom of speech”, PA news agency reports. Mr Powlesland, 36, posted a clip of part of his interaction with a police officer on Twitter. The barrister can be heard asking the the officer, “Why would you ask for my details?”. The officer responds, “I wanted to make sure you didn’t have bail conditions”, before adding: “You said you were going to write stuff on it, that may offend people, around the King. It may offend someone.” Powlesland says, “Who’s that going to offend?”, to which the officer responds: “I don’t know, someone may be offended by it”.
Reacting to the post, criminal law specialist and author Secret Barrister wrote:
“FREE LEGAL OPINION: This would not constitute an offence under the Public Order Act. And it is deeply troubling that any police officer would think that it might.”
A public period of mourning does not constitute any right to ban peaceful public dissent.
It’s essential to also note that the UK does not protect the monarchy against public disapproval. This is noteworthy because in some dictatorial countries it’s a criminal offence to even offend the monarch. UK police cannot therefore use public order offences, such breach of the peace, to curb public criticism of the monarchy. It may be unpleasantly stressful for pro-royalists wanting to publicly mourn the Queen’s death to witness pro-democracy posters exhibited. This however does not make it a criminal offence that allows campaigners to be arrested.
The liberty to voice opposition is vital for any working democracy, even a fake democracy like ours with its unelected Head of State. It’s consequently vital that individuals should be able to voice their concerns over the monarchy. This freedom is essential – and yes - even in this period of intensified sensitivity.
Supporters of a true democratic republican society (not a royal - based one) are being harangued by the police and this conduct is clearly a breach of law over human rights.
Two choices exist – remain on your knees as a subject or stand up and demand your rights as a free - born human being and citizen.
No comments:
Post a Comment