UK Republic raps Queen hosting tyrants

Republic joined Bahraini activists and the human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell in anti-tyrants jubilee protest outside Buckingham palace last night on May 18 as guests arrived for dinner with Prince Charles, demanding an apology from Queen Elizabeth II for inviting guests from controversial regimes.

“The Queen owes a personal apology to all those fighting for freedom in those countries – and to the families of those who have died doing so,” said Republic’s chief executive Graham Smith.

The invitation of the ruler of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, to the British Queen’s Diamond Jubilee lunch at Windsor Castle raised great controversy among human rights activists in Britain, because the regime has been accused of a brutal crackdown on pro-democracy campaigners with the help of Saudi troops.

Other guests include Swaziland’s King Mswati, having been alleged to lead a lavish lifestyle while his people are starving, and the rulers of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, both standing accused of human rights violations.

“The Queen cannot hide behind protocol and precedent – this is a crisis of her own making. She has sent a very strong signal that the British royal family’s number one priority is other royals, even if they are vile thugs who kill, torture and oppress their own people,” said Graham Smith.

“The Queen’s decision to personally invite these tyrants to lunch sends an appalling message to the world, and seriously damages Britain’s reputation. Thanks to the Queen’s misjudgment, her jubilee will forever be associated with some of the most repressive regimes in the world.”

SSM/JR/HE

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