Metropolitan Police officers brushed off criticism over the arrests of anti-monarchy protesters, saying “no harm done” as campaigners accused them of a “direct attack on democracy”.
The force said 52 people were detained for offences including affray and breach of the peace during coronation festivities. Eight members of Republic, the anti-monarchist group, about 20 Just Stop Oil activists and 14 animal rights campaigners were among those hauled in for questioning on Saturday.
Three women’s personal safety volunteers patrolling Soho were detained in the early hours of coronation day. A 47-year-old man with ties to Extinction Rebellion, and two women aged 37 and 59, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and have since been given police bail.
Scotland Yard said that it
