Thousands of people plan to gather in London for al-Quds Day this Sunday, prompting a warning from police. Al-Quds Day demonstrations often attract attention because of political tensions and international issues.
The Metropolitan Police warned officers will “act decisively” against chants or placards that cross into hate speech. Police specifically highlighted phrases calling for “intifada” as unacceptable. Protesters often use such slogans to reference uprisings in the Middle East.
Scotland Yard expects a “difficult public order” situation. Officers plan to manage the crowd of around 12,000 participants with at least 1,000 personnel. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a month-long ban on marching by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), the organisers.
Despite the ban, organisers confirmed they will hold a static protest. They said they plan to proceed “in defiance of a Government ban on the march.” Critics have previously condemned al-Quds Day for showing support for Iran’s late leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Counter-protesters also plan to attend. Groups including Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran will assemble to oppose the demonstration. Police plan to use the River Thames as a barrier between the two groups, a tactic rarely used on this scale.
Authorities allow demonstrations from 1pm to 3pm along the stretch between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges. Al-Quds Day participants will gather at Albert Embankment. Counter-protesters will assemble at Millbank. Police will close Lambeth Bridge except to emergency vehicles.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed officers will patrol embassies, community centres, and places of worship. He stated police will arrest anyone chanting or acting in support of proscribed organisations.
The term “intifada” translates from Arabic as “uprising” and often refers to Palestinian resistance movements. Authorities previously warned that using the term during protests could lead to criminal charges.
Al-Quds Day, named after the Arabic word for Jerusalem, usually falls on the last Friday of Ramadan. Protesters around the world, including in London, mark the event annually, and police plan strict enforcement and safety measures this year.
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