The UK government has approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to ban this Sunday's annual Al Quds Day march in London, citing concerns over "serious public disorder" amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the decision was made due to the scale of the protest and multiple counter-protests.
Key Takeaways
The UK government has banned this Sunday's annual Al Quds Day march in London due to concerns over serious public disorder amid ongoing Middle East tensions. The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which organizes the event, plans a stationary demonstration instead.
- UK government bans Al Quds Day march citing risks of public disorder
- IHRC plans static protest despite ban on marching
- Police to use River Thames as barrier between protesters and counter-protesters
- Over 1,000 officers deployed for event security
The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which organizes the event, describes Al Quds Day as an international demonstration in support of Palestinians and oppressed people worldwide. However, critics argue that the march has pro-Iranian undertones and has previously resulted in arrests for supporting terrorist organizations and antisemitic hate crimes.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan of the Met Police emphasized that the threshold to ban a protest is high and noted that this year's event posed unique risks due to extreme tensions between different factions. The last time such a ban was imposed was in 2012.
The IHRC expressed disappointment over the ban, stating it was a "sad day for freedom of expression." However, Lord Walney, the government's former independent adviser on political violence and disruption, supported the decision. The ban applies to both the Al Quds march and any associated counter-protest marches from 16:00 on Wednesday for a duration of one month.
A stationary demonstration will be allowed under strict conditions, with police expected to enforce the law against anyone spreading hatred and division. According to Reuters, British police have faced heavy scrutiny over their handling of regular, large pro-Palestinian protests in London since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel.
The Metropolitan Police will use the River Thames as a barrier to separate protesters and counter-protesters. The Al Quds march organizers will be positioned south of the river on Albert Embankment, while counter-protesters will be contained within Millbank. Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all traffic except emergency service vehicles.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan described this tactic as a "new bespoke approach" designed for the unique circumstances surrounding this year's Al Quds Day rally. The police are expecting at least 12,000 protesters and counter-protesters combined but warn that significantly more could attend due to current tensions in the Middle East.
Over 1,000 officers will be deployed for the event, including community policing units from other forces. There will also be increased police presence around areas with large Jewish communities. Adelekan emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and stated that anyone expressing support for proscribed organizations would face arrest.
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