Police Scotland to review ?at least one? incident amid anti-monarchy protests
Police Scotland will review ?at least one? incident during anti-monarchy protests stemming from the death of the Queen, Scotland?s Justice Secretary has said.
The force has come in for criticism since a number of people protesting against the monarchy were arrested during events to commemorate the late monarch in Scotland.
During the proclamation of King Charles III in Edinburgh, a 22-year-old woman was arrested in connection with a breach of the peace after an anti-monarchy sign was held up. A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with the same offence after the Duke of York was heckled as he walked in a procession with the Queen?s coffin in the city.
A third man, 74, pleaded guilty to breach of the peace near the Palace of Holyroodhouse and received a ?350 fine, and other incidents received publicity.
Speaking in Holyrood on Wednesday, Keith Brown praised the work of the police during the operation ? dubbed Operation Unicorn ? but said he would talk to Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone in a meeting on Thursday.
?I am not able to comment on individual cases but I do confirm that Police Scotland do approach their job firmly on the basis of human rights legislation and operate, of course, under the principle of policing by consent,? he said in response to a question from Labour MSP Katy Clark.
?They have confirmed there will be a formal debrief process for Operation Unicorn and I understand that Operation Unicorn will be discussed at the Scottish Police Authority board later this month ? the appropriate forum for doing that.
?I also understand this will include reviewing at least one of the incidents that took place while the operation was active.
?I am meeting with the chief constable tomorrow and will discuss these issues with him with a view to looking at, as ever, what lessons can be learned from the operation and how these can be applied to future policing operations.
?I will also congratulate him and his force on a superb job, notwithstanding the issues which have been raised by the member.?
