Met Police issue warning to protesters ahead of Al Quds Day demonstration
London’s Metropolitan Police have issued a stark warning ahead of Sunday’s Al-Quds Day demonstration, vowing to “take firm action” against “intifada” chants and any displays of hate speech.
Scotland Yard is preparing for a “challenging public order” environment amid the ongoing conflict in Iran, with at least 1,000 officers deployed to manage a crowd of around 12,000 people.
Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood accepted the police’s request to ban the annual march organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) for a month.
This marks the first such protest restriction since 2012, although a “static protest” is legally permitted.
The Met confirmed in its latest statement: “Officers on the ground will act decisively and be notified of banners, flags and slogans that would 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.
The Met had previously stated in December that protesters chanting “globalise the intifada” would be arrested and stated that “the context has changed” following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack in Australia.
Police patrols will also be deployed around places of worship, community venues and embassies on Sunday, according to Met Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan.
While the annual Quds Day demonstration has come under criticism for open support for the Iranian regime, organizers expressed support for the country’s late leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A counter-protest is also planned, with police using the River Thames as a physical barrier to prevent clashes; This tactic is believed to be a first for Scotland Yard in breaking up large-scale demonstrations.
All protests and counter-protests are permitted between Vauxhall and Lambeth Bridges between 1pm and 3pm. Counter-protesters may gather on the Millbank side of the River Thames, while Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all but emergency vehicles.
Quds Day, which takes its name from the Arabic term meaning Jerusalem, is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday of Ramadan.
