Crown Jewels Display Defaced in Ugly Protest Against UK Inequality
The Tower of London has partially reopened after four people were arrested for throwing food at a display case containing the crown jewels. The group, calling itself Take Back Power, claimed responsibility for the incident and said it was part of a campaign to demand the establishment of a permanent citizens' assembly with the power to tax extreme wealth.
According to eyewitnesses, one demonstrator slammed a tray of apple crumble against the glass protecting the crown, while another poured bright yellow custard on the front of the case. The activists were seen wearing T-shirt slogans reading "Take Back Power" and chanting slogans such as "democracy has crumbled" and "Britain is broken".
The protesters' demands centre around tackling inequality in the UK, citing examples such as homelessness and empty homes compared to unhoused people. One activist, 19-year-old Zahra Ali, stated that it's time for the ultra-rich to pay their fair share.
The incident led to a partial closure of the Tower of London site, but Historic Royal Palaces later confirmed that only the Jewel House had been shut, and the rest of the attraction has since reopened. Scotland Yard arrested four individuals on suspicion of criminal damage after receiving reports of the incident at 9:48am on Saturday.
Critics say the protest's tactics are misguided and counterproductive, while supporters argue that the protesters' message is necessary in a country plagued by inequality and social injustice. The incident highlights the increasingly complex and divisive nature of contemporary protests, as activists increasingly turn to unconventional methods to make their voices heard.
The Tower of London has partially reopened after four people were arrested for throwing food at a display case containing the crown jewels. The group, calling itself Take Back Power, claimed responsibility for the incident and said it was part of a campaign to demand the establishment of a permanent citizens' assembly with the power to tax extreme wealth.
According to eyewitnesses, one demonstrator slammed a tray of apple crumble against the glass protecting the crown, while another poured bright yellow custard on the front of the case. The activists were seen wearing T-shirt slogans reading "Take Back Power" and chanting slogans such as "democracy has crumbled" and "Britain is broken".
The protesters' demands centre around tackling inequality in the UK, citing examples such as homelessness and empty homes compared to unhoused people. One activist, 19-year-old Zahra Ali, stated that it's time for the ultra-rich to pay their fair share.
The incident led to a partial closure of the Tower of London site, but Historic Royal Palaces later confirmed that only the Jewel House had been shut, and the rest of the attraction has since reopened. Scotland Yard arrested four individuals on suspicion of criminal damage after receiving reports of the incident at 9:48am on Saturday.
Critics say the protest's tactics are misguided and counterproductive, while supporters argue that the protesters' message is necessary in a country plagued by inequality and social injustice. The incident highlights the increasingly complex and divisive nature of contemporary protests, as activists increasingly turn to unconventional methods to make their voices heard.
This whole situation is quite telling about our society's state. I mean, when we're already grappling with issues like homelessness and poverty, it feels like throwing a dessert at the Crown Jewels just might seem like a provocative way to bring attention to inequality. But, on the other hand, does it really work? The effectiveness of such tactics is always open to debate.
Man oh man, can you believe what's been done to the Crown Jewels? I mean, I get where they're coming from - it's all about tackling inequality and making sure the rich pay their fair share... but, come on! You can't just go around throwing food at historical artifacts 
. It's like, I remember when I was a kid, we'd protest by making signs and chanting slogans outside parliament... that's how you make a difference, not with vandalism 
.
. But at the same time, I can understand why they'd want to draw attention to these problems - it's like when I was at school and we had our final year exams... you're so stressed out and anxious, but then someone does something crazy in class to get everyone talking 
.
. i totally get where they're coming from too - inequality is a huge issue in this country and we need ppl speaking out against it. i mean like zoah alis age is literally 19 and she's already making waves... its so inspiring! the fact that ppl r still debating whether this was "good" or "bad" protesting just goes to show how messed up our system is 
people actually threw food at the crown jewels 
i feel like the protesters' point is valid tho, inequality in the uk is super real and needs to be addressed. but i also get why ppl would think it's not the right way to do it... all this protesting can be so polarizing 
what do u think tho? should ppl just keep complaining until they get change or do we need more radical actions like this to shake things up? 
I mean, who gets excited about smashing some old rocks? The UK has got some serious issues but taking it out on grandma's tea set isn't gonna solve anything 
. And can we please get some highlights on that 19-year-old activist's logic? "Ultra-rich should pay their fair share"... didn't they learn in economics class 
? On the bright side, the custard made for a sweet addition to the Jewel House decor 
!
, but throwing food at the crown jewels seems like a pretty extreme move, you know? Like, can't we find a way to express our frustration without causing damage to historical artifacts? 
It was like they wanted to make a mess and just own it, which is kinda genius in its own weird way 
. The protesters are right that the ultra-rich need to pay their fair share, but maybe instead of breaking glass, we could try organizing some high-profile charity events or awareness campaigns? 
just saw what happened at the Tower of London 
those ppl are so extra throwing food like it's nothing 
meanwhile ppl r dyin on the streets 
time 4 ultra-rich 2 pay up 
They're just trying to get attention, but it's gonna take more than a messy dessert to bring about change 
meanwhile zahra ali's right we do need to shake things up & address the elephant in the room aka inequality 
This protest is not just about breaking glass, it's about shaking things up! The UK has a serious inequality problem and someone needs to bring attention to it, even if it means making a mess. The fact that it's working (well, sort of) shows that protests can be effective, but also that some tactics might need to be rethought.
. I mean, can't they just organize a peaceful march or somethin'? But on the other hand, if throwin' some apple crumble and custard is what it takes to get people talkin' about inequality, then I'm for it 
... but only if they're doin' it in a way that's not gonna hurt anyone 
. But can't we just have a civilized conversation about it instead of resortin' to vandalism? Ugh, I'm so conflicted 
but also kinda needed 
right now. Like, have you seen the state of some of our cities? 
It's heartbreaking 
. We need more voices for the voiceless 
and some real action on addressing inequality 
. Can we get a permanent citizens' assembly on this ASAP? 
. i mean, who wouldn't wanna see some real change in the uk? the whole 'take back power' thing has some merit tbh, we do need more voices in politics and less just the elite controlling everything. its all about making ppl listen 
. cant say id condone the methods used, but u can feel the frustration behind it 
and I'm still trying to process all the delicious foods I tried (have you ever had authentic ramen in Tokyo?). Anyway, what's crazy about this protest is that people are actually throwing food at priceless art to make a point... meanwhile, have you seen those new iPhone prices? 