Freedom of Speech Under Threat After Her Majesty’s Death

24-09-2022

Julie Lübken

Europe and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defense

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has ignited many anti-royalist sentiments in the United Kingdom. While the Queen enjoyed a high level of popularity during her reign, the same is not true for King Charles III who has been more harshly criticized over the years. 

Many events have taken place throughout the UK this week, including proclamations of the King’s accession to the Throne and parades celebrating the life of her Majesty. These displays of mourning have attracted anti-monarchy protests, some shouting at King Charles about his unelected status, others brandishing banners calling to abolish the monarchy. 

While the right to criticize and speak against the monarchy is a right in the British constitution, many protestors have been arrested and fined for their expressions of dissent. Police have seen their punitive abilities increase in this past year with a new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act having been passed, allowing police to act more widely against protests, even when they are non-violent. 

This is extremely worrisome for the health of British democracy. Citizens are increasingly afraid of being stopped and fined for their resistance, raising concerns about freedom of speech as well as the right to protest. Civil society groups, such as Liberty, have expressed anger at this threat to human rights. 

Sources and further readings: 

Chappell, B. (2022, September 12). Anti-royal protestors are being arrested in the U.K. as the ‘Not My King’ tag grows. WUSF. Retrieved on September 17th 2022 from https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2022-09-12/anti-royal-protesters-are-being-arrested-in-the-u-k-as-the-not-my-king-tag-grows

Askew, J. (2022, September 13). Why is there concern over free speech in the aftermath of Queen Elizabeth II’s death? Euronews. Retrieved on September 1th from https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2022/09/13/why-is-there-concern-over-free-speech-in-the-aftermath-of-queen-elizabeth-iis-death

https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/

Milton, J. (2022, September 13). Protestors hold blank signs to defend ‘free speech’ after anti-monarchy arrests. Metro. Retrieved on September 17th 2022 from https://metro.co.uk/2022/09/13/protesters-hold-blank-signs-after-anti-monarchy-arrests-17367384/