NewsBeat
Protesters gather for al-Quds day demonstration in London with thousands expected after police ban
Three people have been arrested as protesters and counter-protesters have assembled on separate sides of the River Thames for the al-Quds day demonstration in central London, police said.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it has arrested three people so far, one for showing support for a proscribed organisation, one for dangerous driving and a third for threatening and abusive behaviour.
Police have been bracing for thousands of people to attend, with hundreds of officers seen in the area.
Scores of people began arriving from 1pm, many holding Palestine flags and banners, some reading “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation”.
Pictures of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were also held up, some accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history”.
The annual al-Quds day demonstration in London had drawn criticism over apparent backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A counter-protest has also been planned, co-organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran group, with police using the River Thames to block the demonstrations from clashing. Iranian dissidents are expected to be among the attendees, Stop The Hate said.
This week, 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.”
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police said: “Protesters have assembled on both sides of the river. The al-Quds day protest on the Albert Embankment and the counter-protest in Millbank.
“Conditions are in place stating the protests must conclude by 1500hrs.”
Police said those taking part in the al-Quds day protest must on Albert Embankment, on the south side of the River Thames, while the counter-protest must assemble on Millbank, the north side of the River Thames.
In a post on X, the police added that there will be increased officer presence in Westminster later.
It added,” Officers will be deployed to ensure the annual al-Quds Day march and a pro-Israel counter protest take place safely and lawfully, with any offences dealt with.”
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According to reports in The Sunday Times, a woman holding a sign in support of Palestine Action was seen being led away by officers. Footage showed the activist holding a placard that read: “I still oppose genocide. I still support Palestine Action.”
Hussain Shafiei from the Workers Party of Britain has spoken at al-Quds Day march, according to The Sunday Times.
He told the crowd: “The al-Quds march has happened 40 years peacefully; this is the first time it has been banned. They are so worried, they are so scared that the whole world has turned on Zionism.”
More to follow…