Protesters rap draconian policing to be used during Thatcher funeral

British campaigners have condemned the police warning that protesters during the funeral of former PM Margaret Thatcher will be subject to the section 5 of Pubic Order Act.

The law authorizes officers to detain everyone that causes “alarm, harass or distress” based on their own interpretation of the situation, which may not be accurate.

Thousands of protesters are expected to attend the funeral and turn their backs at Thatcher’s coffin to show their disapproval of her policies that many believe wrecked British working class in the 1980’s and after.

“This is a public state occasion not a private family funeral. The power is so wide-ranging that it gives police huge discretion over who they can arrest,” Val Swain of the police monitoring campaign group Netpol said.

It is tantamount to arresting people that are not supportive of Thatcher’s ideology,” he added.

Thatcher’s casket is planned to travel through London to St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday.

Last night, the police gave the protesters the go-ahead to turn their backs at her funeral carriage but warned them that they will be closely watched.

However, Netpol said the police use of the section 5 regulations is “draconian” and amounts to the government demanding an “era of compulsory mourning” from the people.

The police have so far arrested 16 people during Thatcher death parties that were held across the country after the former PM died at the age of 87 last Monday.