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The government has authorized the Metropolitan Police’s request to prohibit a march scheduled to take place in London on Sunday. This decision comes in response to concerns over potential “serious public disorder” linked to the annual Al Quds Day march. While the event is commonly viewed as having pro-Iranian associations, the organizers emphasize that it is primarily a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained that although the march itself is banned, a stationary protest could still happen, albeit under stringent conditions. Mahmood stressed the necessity of the ban given the protest’s size and the expectation of multiple counter-demonstrations, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. She added, “I expect to see the full force of the law applied to anyone spreading hatred and division instead of exercising their right to peaceful protest.”
According to Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who leads Public Order for the Metropolitan Police, the ban is comprehensive and extends to both the Al Quds march and any associated counter-protests, effective from 16:00 on Wednesday for a duration of one month. Adelekan noted the unique sensitivities surrounding this march, pointing out its origins in Iran and its organization in London by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which supports the Iranian regime. While the power to ban protests has not been used since 2012, the Met recognizes the exceptional risks this particular demonstration poses, considering the likelihood of large numbers of both protestors and counter-protestors amidst heightened tensions. “We have taken into consideration the likely impact on protests of the volatile situation in the Middle East, with the Iranian regime attacking British allies and military bases overseas,” Adelekan said. He further highlighted past incidents associated with Al Quds marches, including arrests linked to support for terrorist organizations and antisemitic hate crimes. However, he clarified the ban is based solely on risk assessment and emphasized that policing decisions are not about favoring one political viewpoint over another but are focused on preventing violence and disorder.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission, which organizes the event, describes Al Quds Day as an international demonstration in support of Palestinians and oppressed people worldwide. Faisal Bodi from the Commission expressed disappointment ahead of the ban’s confirmation, calling it “a sad day for freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right of people to legitimately protest about issues they feel strongly about.” He also noted the demonstration’s 40-year history of peaceful gatherings. Meanwhile, Lord Walney, a former government adviser on political violence, supported the Metropolitan Police’s decision, describing it as the “right decision.” Calls for the Al Quds Day march to be banned have become more frequent, especially following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023
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