Protestors gather across from St Giles Cathedral where Queen's coffin lies at rest

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A group of protestors have gathered across from St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, where the Queen's coffin has been lying at rest.

Around a dozen activists are standing near large crowds waiting to see Her Majesty's coffin leave the cathedral. They are holding blank pieces of white paper and some wearing face masks to demonstrate against the recent arrests of anti-monarchy protestors.

The paper remains blank as a symbolic stand against free speech after one woman, 22, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly holding a sign that said "f*** imperialism, abolish monarchy".She was charged in connection with breach of the peace.A further protestor was arrested while King Charles led the late Queen's coffin procession in the city on Monday afternoon.The man, 22, has also been charged in connection with breach of the peace after Prince Andrew was allegedly heckled during the event.Protestors say they are taking action to stand in solidarity with those charged, calling the arrests "an erosion of our democracy" and saying people "should be able to express our views without fear of arrest".Amnesty International also released a statement in support of protestors on Monday, saying the right to freedom of expression was extremely important.Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland Programme Director Amnesty International UK said: “It’s incredibly important that at all times – even those of national mourning – that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are upheld.“No one should be arrested for peacefully expressing their opinion.“Protest can be annoying – or even upsetting, to some – but it is absolutely essential for a rights respecting society.”The Queen’s coffin will be flown to Buckingham Palace later today, with Princess Anne