“The public has had enough” – London is even sharper against demonstrators Renovation Switzerland hinders traffic in the center of Bern

The police in Great Britain can now take even harder action against unwanted protests, for example from environmental activists. A controversial law has been in effect since Sunday that prohibits the methods used by the demonstrators, such as walking slowly, under threat of prison. Anyone who builds a tunnel or remains there to cause a serious nuisance can be sentenced to up to three years in prison and obstructing major transportation facilities can be sentenced to up to six months in prison.

The Conservative government has committed to freedom of demonstration, but has sharply criticized radical forms of protest. “Hardworking people want to go about their daily lives without being disturbed by a selfish minority,” Interior Secretary Suella Braverman said. “The public is tired of having their lives disrupted by selfish protesters. The chaos we saw in our streets was a scandal.”

Critics, on the other hand, warn against authoritarian tendencies that the tightening of the law endangers the right to demonstrate. The government had previously severely restricted the rights of protesters. For example, police officers can arrest anyone they believe may disturb public order. Officials first exercised this right on the outskirts of King Charles III’s coronation. used – and were sharply criticized for it. (sda/dpa)