Thousands of protesters are expected to descend on London for the annual Al Quds Day demonstration this Sunday, prompting a stern warning from police that officers will “act decisively” against “intifada” chants and placards deemed to spread hate.
Scotland Yard is preparing for a “difficult public order” situation, deploying at least 1,000 officers to manage an anticipated crowd of around 12,000 people.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood granted a police request for a month-long ban on the march organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), marking the first such protest restriction since 2012.
Despite the ban, participants can still legally assemble for a “static protest,” with the IHRC stating the demonstration will proceed “in defiance of a Government ban on the march.”
The annual event has previously drawn criticism over alleged backing for the Iranian regime, with organisers expressing support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A counter-protest, co-organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran group, is also planned.
In a novel approach, police will use the River Thames as a physical barrier to prevent clashes between the two groups, a tactic believed to be a first for Scotland Yard on this scale. Iranian dissidents are expected to join the counter-protest.
All demonstrations are permitted between 1pm and 3pm, taking place between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges.
Counter-protesters will assemble on the Millbank side of the Thames, while the Al Quds Day demonstration will be situated at Albert Embankment. Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all but emergency vehicles.
The Metropolitan Police reiterated its firm stance, stating: “Officers on the ground will act decisively and be briefed on placards, flags and chanting that will cross the line into hate crime or support of a proscribed organisation.”
The force added: “We will also take action where we see chants calling for intifada. We know these words have consequences.” Anyone marching or inciting others to march will face arrest.
“Intifada,” an Arabic word for “uprising,” often refers to Palestinian resistance movements against Israel.
The Met previously announced in December that protesters chanting “globalise the intifada” would be arrested, citing a “changed context” following the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia.
Met Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed that police patrols would also be deployed around places of worship, community venues, and embassies on Sunday.
Al Quds Day, named after the Arabic term for Jerusalem, is traditionally observed on the last Friday of Ramadan.
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