Iran protesters sent warning by Met Police with thousands set to gather in London for al-Quds Day demonstration
Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on London this Sunday for the annual Al-Quds Day demonstration, prompting a stern warning from police that officers will “act decisively” against “intifada” slogans and banners seen as spreading hate.
Scotland Yard is preparing for a “difficult public order” situation by deploying at least 1,000 officers to manage a crowd of around 12,000 people.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood agreed to a police request by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to ban the march for a month, the first such protest restriction since 2012.
Despite the ban, participants can legally gather for a “static protest”, with the IHRC stating that the demonstration will go on “despite the Government’s ban on marches”.
The annual event has previously come under criticism for alleged support for the Iranian regime, with organizers expressing support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A counter-protest jointly organized by Stop Hate and Iran’s Lion Guard group is also planned.
In a new approach, police will use the River Thames as a physical barrier to prevent clashes between two groups. It is believed that the tactic will be a first on this scale for Scotland Yard. Iranian dissidents are also expected to join the counter-protest.
All demonstrations between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges are permitted between 13:00 and 15:00.
Counter-protesters will gather on the Millbank side of the Thames, while the Jerusalem Day demonstration will be held on the Albert Embankment. Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all except emergency vehicles.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated its firm stance, saying: “Officers in the field will act decisively and be notified of banners, flags and slogans that cross the line into hate crime or support for a proscribed organisation.”
The force added: “We will also take action when we see slogans calling for an intifada. We know that these words have consequences.” Anyone who walks or encourages others to march will be arrested.
“Intifada”, which means “uprising” in Arabic, generally refers to Palestinian resistance movements against Israel.
The Met had previously announced in December that protesters chanting “globalise the intifada” would be arrested, citing the “changing context” following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia.
Met Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed police patrols would also be deployed around places of worship, community venues and embassies on Sunday.
Quds Day, which takes its name from the Arabic term meaning Jerusalem, is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday of Ramadan.
