Scottish Greens call for answers on anti-Monarchy protest arrests
The Scottish Greens are writing to the Chief Constable of Police Scotland, Sir Iain Livingstone, following a series of high profile incidents involving protests against the Royal family last week.
Green MSP Maggie Chapman has also tabled questions at the Scottish Parliament after concerns were raised by a number of members of the public.
It follows a series of news reports of people objecting against the monarchy being arrested or moved on during official events, raising concerns over freedom of speech and the right to protest.
The Scottish Greens justice spokesperson, Maggie Chapman MSP, said:
“We are aware of a number of concerning incidents involving Police Scotland and members of the public during events last week.
“Given Scotland’s proud tradition of freedom of speech and peaceful protest, we are seeking urgent clarification as to what happened and why Police Scotland deemed it necessary to intervene in the way they did.
“With some proceedings remaining active, we are limited in what we can say. However, free speech and democracy are the very bedrock on which the Scottish Parliament was founded. Any action taken has to be appropriate and consistent with this founding principle.
“That is why I have tabled questions and am writing to Police Scotland as a matter of urgency.”