An SNP MP has insisted "republican views are as valid as any other" following the arrest of several protesters in recent days.
Amy Callaghan spoke out after officers arrested two people for alleged breaches of the peace in Edinburgh while events were taking place to honour the late Queen.
She said: "Republican views are as valid as any other. No-one should be arrested for just expressing that."
It came after a 22-year-old was arrested yesterday after the Duke of York was abused as he walked behind his mother’s coffin as it made its way from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.
Social media videos showed a man shouting at Andrew before bystanders pulled him to the ground.
The man was released by police on an undertaking to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
A 22-year-old woman was also charged in connection with a breach of the peace after being arrested during the Accession Proclamation for the King outside St Giles’ Cathedral on Sunday.
She was released from custody and is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.
Meanwhile, Symon Hill, 45, was arrested in Oxford after shouting “Who elected him?” as he walked past an event where Charles was being proclaimed as the new king on Sunday.
SNP MP Joanna Cherry, a King's Council (KC) said: "I’m concerned by reports in Scotland and England of seemingly legitimate protestors being arrested.
"Whilst many might question whether this is an appropriate time for such protests, the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy and should be facilitated."
Carol Mochan, Scottish Labour MSP for South of Scotland, tweeted: "I share the concerns of many regarding reports people have been arrested for expressing their views in support of a republic.
"Everyone has the right to express their opinions peacefully, this sets a dangerous precedent. I will be raising my concerns when Parliament reconvenes."
Ruth Smeeth, chief executive of Index on Censorship, told the BBC the arrests were "deeply concerning".
She added: "We must guard against this event being used, by accident or design, to erode in any way the freedom of expression that citizens of this country enjoy."
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