Thousands of demonstrators were expected to march through London for al-Quds Day, an annual demonstration in support of Palestinian rights, but the march has been banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. This marks the first protest march to be banned in the UK since 2012.
What is al-Quds Day march?
Al-Quds Day was created by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following Iran’s 1979 revolution. Al-Quds is the Arabic name for Jerusalem. The march is described as an international day in support of Palestine and is often celebrated on the last Friday of Ramadan.
Who is behind the march in London?
The march is organised by the UK al-Quds Committee, which includes several organisations, with the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) playing a central role. Organisers state the annual march has taken place peacefully for 40 years to highlight the situation faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The IHRC recently condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as a leader who “resisted oppression and stood on the right side of history.”
Why were there calls for the march to be banned?
The march has faced criticism due to some participants previously displaying the flag of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group banned in the UK as a terrorist organisation. Concerns have also been raised regarding rhetoric used at past marches, including chants calling for the death of America and Israel. The IHRC had previously warned demonstrators that flags of proscribed groups were not allowed and that displaying them or chanting in support of such organisations could lead to arrest.
Courts minister Sarah Sackman called for a ban, stating that those expressing support for the Iranian regime and its proxies have no place in society.
What did the police and Home Office say?
The Metropolitan police stated that the Home Secretary accepted their request to ban Sunday’s al-Quds march, as well as any planned counterprotests. The ban will be in place from 4pm on Wednesday, March 11th and last for a month. The Met cited a high risk of serious public disorder, citing the expected numbers of protesters and counterprotesters, and heightened tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The Met also pointed to security concerns about alleged Iranian state activity in the UK, including recent arrests of individuals suspected of spying on Jewish communities, and a recent stabbing incident involving opposing views on the Iranian regime. The Home Secretary stated that anyone spreading hatred and division will face the full force of the law.
What have the organisers said?
The IHRC described calls to ban the march as an Islamophobic hate campaign and stated they “strongly condemn” the decision, seeking legal advice. The group confirmed a static protest would proceed legally on Sunday, stating the police have “brazenly abandoned their sworn principle of policing without fear or favour.”
The commission highlighted a 2017 incident where a terrorist attempted to attack march attendees but was prevented by police safety cordons, instead attacking worshippers outside Finsbury Park mosque, killing one and injuring 12 others.
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