Quinn McKew, ARTICLE 19’s Executive Director, commented on the situation: 'Arrests to deal with people who “undermine celebrations” not only missed the point, they violated international and regional freedom of expression standards. The UK is the home of the Chartist Movement, the first mass movement driven by the working classes. The UK public has fought for and won the right to voice dissent — including against the monarchy. The UK cannot call itself a modern society or
a parliamentary democracy if it tries to silence that dissent. Authorities must protect this right, not place barriers in front of it.' |