Protesters gather for al-Quds day demonstration in London with thousands expected after police ban
Protesters and counter-protesters gathered on opposite sides of the River Thames for a Jerusalem Day demonstration in central London, police said.
While the police were preparing for thousands of people to attend, hundreds of police officers were seen in the area.
From 13:00 onwards, many people began to arrive; many were holding Palestinian flags and banners; Some of them wrote “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation”.
Pictures of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were also hung, some accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history.”
The Metropolitan Police said in a post on
“There are conditions stating that the protests must end by 15:00.”
Police said participants in the Jerusalem Day protest should gather at Albert Embankment on the south bank of the Thames, while the counter-protest should gather at Millbank on the north bank of the Thames.
Police added in a post that there would later be an increased police presence in Westminster.
“Officers will be deployed to ensure the annual Quds Day march and pro-Israel counter-protest takes place safely and lawfully, and all crimes will be addressed,” the statement said.
More to follow…
