Free the Edinburgh One? No!

Following protests at the Queen’s coffin procession through Edinburgh this week, a man was arrested and later charged with breach of the peace.

Some have been wringing their hands and arguing that his persecution is in flagrant disregard of freedom of speech laws. That he should have been allowed to protest, even if it was in bad taste. And that a breach of etiquette is not a breach of law. well, actually, it is in Scotland. Exactly so.

The scope of the charge is wide and can include anything from shouting, abusive or threatening behaviour and causing alarm, to brandishing weapons or violent conduct. ‘Andrew, you are a sick old man,’ the protester shouted as the royal mourners passed by. no, it’s hardly incendiary. Andrew’s probably heard worse. From his own late father, for a start.

But Free the Edinburgh one? i don’t think so. imagine how you’d feel if some nut started bawling and shouting abuse at family attending your mother’s funeral? People should be able to mourn in peace, without being subjected to the ravings of a monomaniac.

we are either civilised, or we are not. no one, royal or otherwise, should have to put up with behaviour like that.