Coronation: Head of anti-monarchy group speaks out after spending nearly 16 hours in police custody

The head of an anti-monarchy campaign group has spoken out after spending almost 16 hours in police custody on Saturday, 6 May, the day of King Charles III’s coronation.

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic, was arrested ahead of a planned protest.

He has branded the detention of him and dozens of others a “direct attack on our democracy” and said police should “hang their heads in shame.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 52 people were arrested for affray, public order offences, breach of the peace and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance around the coronation.

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