Protesters have been arrested in central London after more than 1,000 officers were drafted in to police an al-Quds day demonstration which take place on both sides of the River Thames.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed three people were arrested at the protest and counter-protest, including one for allegedly showing support for a proscribed organisation. One was held on suspicion of dangerous driving and a third was arrested for threatening and abusive behaviour.
Crowds at the protest were heard chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israeli-Defence-Forces)” after musician Bob Vylan made a speech at the event. Demonstrators also chanted “from the river to the sea” and held pictures of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history”.
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 were still legally allowed to assemble for a “static protest,” with the IHRC stating the demonstration would proceed “in defiance of a government ban on the march.”
Scotland Yard had been braced for a “difficult public order” environment, with at least 1,000 officers drafted in to manage the crowd.
Scores of people began arriving from 1pm on Sunday, with many holding Palestine flags and banners – some reading “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation”.
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.
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 were expected to be among the attendees, Stop The Hate said.
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 told those taking part in the al-Quds day protest that they must stay on Albert Embankment, on the south side of the River Thames, while the counter-protest was told to assemble on Millbank, the north side of the River Thames.
In a post on X, the police added that there would 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.”
According to reports in The 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.”
Also, speaking to the crowd was musician Bob Vylan, who was investigated last year over anti-Israeli Defence Forces chants at Glastonbury Festival, when he chanted “death, death to the IDF” during his performance. However, the police decided no further action would be taken in relation to the Glastonbury incident.
A video stream of his speech at the al-Quds day protest also shows Mr Vylan, whose real name is Pascal Robinson-Foster, shouting chants of “death, death to the IDF” with the crowd.
