Four arrested after images of Trump and Epstein projected on to Windsor Castle ahead of president's visit
Source: The Guardian
Four people have been arrested after images of Donald Trump alongside deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to Windsor Castle, where the US president is set to be hosted by King Charles during his state visit to Britain.
Trump arrived in Britain late on Tuesday for an unprecedented second state visit, and will be greeted by Charles on Wednesday for a day of pomp at Windsor Castle, about 25 miles west of London.
Earlier on Tuesday, protesters unfurled a massive banner featuring a photograph of Trump and Epstein near Windsor Castle, and later projected several images of the two on to one of the castles towers.
The police said in a statement four adults were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications after an unauthorised projection at Windsor Castle, which they described as a public stunt. The four remain in custody.
Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/17/four-arrested-after-image-of-trump-and-epstein-projected-onto-windsor-castle-ahead-of-presidents-visit
Notice they've been kept in custody overnight - this was not just "arrest them so they can turn off the projector". "Malicious communications" is normally used for harassment, intimidation and so on - eg a police document lists it under "Threats and intimidation" and "Psychological abuse".
Somehow, when Trump turns up, everyone becomes authoritarian.




MrWowWow
(1,167 posts)Definitely Seattle will be on this. Nighttime projection is always tricky.
raccoon
(32,020 posts)muriel_volestrangler
(104,686 posts)although they are "in the monarch's name". The last monarch to try a pardon on his own was George IV (reigned 1820-1830), according to Wikipedia, referencing a House of Commons note:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_prerogative_of_mercy
prerogative personally. King George IV wished to influence the Lord
Lieutenant of Ireland in exercising the prerogative of mercy in relation to a
death sentence for an inhabitant of Clare who had burned his own house
down. When Sir Robert Peel, the then Home Secretary, threatened
resignation, the King gave way. Cases of persons sentenced to death at the
Old Bailey were once considered by the monarch at a meeting of the Privy
Council. George IV often advocated mercy until over-ruled by his advisers.
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9877/CBP-9877.pdf
And the current government, though Labour, are trying to "look tough" - there's no chance they'd let anyone off if they were convicted.
Irish_Dem
(74,729 posts)Irish_Dem
(74,729 posts)popsdenver
(452 posts)Wow, there is a new Crime...........
I am sure that Trump will be quick to pick up on that and institute it here in America.
Trump has most certainly already sent that phrase, "Malicious Communications," to his CABAL .....especially Patel and Bondi, and we will soon be installing it as a Federal Felony here in America. He has already been doing it, going after everyone who is outspoken about him and his fascist tyranny, but now has a catchy name for the charges against anyone that speaks out against him or his administration.......The Republicans in the Senate and House, along with the Republicans Justices in the U.S. Supreme Court will jump right on it to back him up......
The Brit's are apparently hedging their bets also, by honoring him.......... Guess Trump has them all frightened, just as he has done with so many other people and nations........
Irish_Dem
(74,729 posts)Amazing and disgusting.
perdita9
(1,304 posts)It's the people who are showing courage in standing up to a wannabe dictator. The media, the courts and conservatives are actively and passively destroying our democracy for profit or out of cowardice.
Alice B.
(616 posts)otchmoson
(217 posts)Isn't there a royal medal that could be bestowed on the perpetrators? They deserve it!
Alice B.
(616 posts)They need a medal, too!
twodogsbarking
(15,723 posts)Raven123
(7,032 posts)Some would suggest hosting Trump is more degrading, but I get your point. I think we tried going high when he went low and it didnt work out so well. I guess they learned from our experience.
Vinca
(52,679 posts)to prevent massive demonstrations in London.
IthinkThereforeIAM
(3,224 posts)... the word "mansion" would be the hook to get Der Dingleberry to at least visit. "Release the hound"!
Javaman
(64,472 posts)Emrys
(8,709 posts)It's hard to disagree with a Led By Donkeys spokesperson quoted in The Independent:
In fact, sometimes the police have just watched while weve done it.
So suddenly, because its Trump, you get this reaction, which is surprising, disappointing and very heavy-handed from police.
I think theyve been arrested for embarrassing Donald Trump, the spokesperson added.
Its because Donald Trumps got a very thin skin. Theyre protecting his ego.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/thames-valley-police-led-by-donkeys-trump-windsor-castle-windsor-b2828211.html
Other grounds for the arrest may include embarrassing the security services, but that's not reported as appearing on the charge sheet, nor is it an offence in itself, much as some might wish it to be.
The legislation they appear to be held in custody under would be the Malicious Communications Act (1988), which applies in England and Wales. It should be noted that they're currently only being held on "suspicion" of malicious communications.
It's in no way clear how the projections meet the legal criteria of a set of messages which is "indecent or grossly offensive; or threatening; or contains information which is false or believed to be false" or intended to "cause distress or anxiety" (intent is one of the keys to prosecution under this legislation).
popsdenver
(452 posts)Trump was ecstatic at the fact that they arrested those who did it......and is itching to get back to the U.S. where he can institute the charge of
"Malicious Communications" here in the U.S. to include people with protest signs peacefully protesting, as well as any of us saying ANYTHING against Trump or members of his CABAL on ANY internet group like D.U. etc
Now he can justify it by saying the U.K. has been doing it for years.............
Wonder Why
(6,187 posts)JohnnyRingo
(20,159 posts)Trump will show Charles how a real king rules.
BoRaGard
(7,517 posts)these four people a full Citizen's Pardon, and a Citizen's Medal of Honor.
travelingthrulife
(3,241 posts)AllyCat
(18,209 posts)Why are they coddling this man-child?