The Metropolitan Police have been authorized to ban the Al Quds march, scheduled to take place in London, citing concerns over public disorder amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The ban, approved by a senior government official, will be in effect for one month, starting at 4:00 PM on Wednesday.
Al Quds March Ban Explained
The decision to prohibit the march and any associated counter-protests was made to prevent serious public disorder, according to authorities. The scale of planned demonstrations and heightened tensions related to the Middle East conflict were key factors in the assessment.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, Public Order lead for the Met, explained that the Al Quds march is “uniquely contentious,” originating in Iran and organized in London by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, an organization supportive of the Iranian regime.
Adelekan noted this is the first time a march has been banned since 2012. However, he emphasized the Metropolitan Police have safely managed hundreds of protests, including 32 major pro-Palestinian demonstrations and numerous events both for and against the Iranian regime.
Authorities highlighted that previous Al Quds marches have resulted in arrests related to supporting terrorist organizations and antisemitic hate crimes. The current ban is based solely on a risk assessment of this specific event and potential counter-protests, and is not influenced by political viewpoints, according to the assistant commissioner.
Adelekan stated the police will apply strict conditions to any stationary demonstration that proceeds and will “apply the full force of the law” to anyone spreading hatred or division. The assessment also considered the impact of the volatile situation in the Middle East, including attacks by the Iranian regime on British allies and military bases.
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