Police to use Thames to separate protesters at Al Quds protest
Police to Use Thames as Dividing Line at Al Quds Protest
The London Metropolitan Police have decided to employ the River Thames as a segregation measure between demonstrators and their opponents during the Al Quds Day rally in central London this weekend.
Banned March to Home Office Sparks Controversy
A planned demonstration heading to the Home Office was halted earlier this week following Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s endorsement of a request from the Metropolitan Police to block the event, aiming to avert major public unrest.
Met Cites Support for Iranian Regime as Reason for Ban
The police force stated that the organizers, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), were “supportive of the Iranian regime.” This marks the first instance in 14 years where the Met has banned a protest march.
Despite the ban, the IHRC has confirmed a “static” protest will proceed, asserting the decision was “politically motivated.” They describe the event as a peaceful gathering in favor of Palestine.
Unique Tactics for High-Tension Event
In a Thursday briefing, Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan outlined the use of the Thames as a “new bespoke tactic” to manage the “distinct challenges” posed by the Al Quds rally.
The Met anticipates at least 6,000 participants at the protest, with an additional 6,000 counter-protesters expected. They cautioned that numbers could rise due to heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Bridge closures will affect Lambeth and Vauxhall, restricting traffic to emergency vehicles only. Over 1,000 officers, including community teams and external forces, will be deployed to oversee the event.
Zero Tolerance for Hate Crime
Mr. Adelekan emphasized that officers will be instructed to take “decisive action” against symbols of dissent, such as placards, flags, and chants. A “zero tolerance approach” to hate crime has also been confirmed, with arrests possible for anyone endorsing banned groups.
Although the ban and policing strategies do not eliminate the potential for disorder, they are intended to “greatly simplify” the management of the protest, according to Mr. Adelekan.
The Met cited the rally’s historical context, community tensions, and an “intelligence gap” as key factors in their decision to request the ban.
Al Quds Day Tradition and Global Significance
Originating after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Al Quds Day is traditionally observed on the final Friday of Ramadan. The IHRC views it as a global event showcasing solidarity with Palestine.
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