Police to use Thames to separate protesters at Al Quds protest
Met Police Deploy Thames as Separator at Al Quds Rally
The Metropolitan Police have announced plans to employ the River Thames as a dividing line between demonstrators and their opponents during the Al Quds Day gathering in London’s heart on Sunday.
Earlier this week, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, authorized the Metropolitan Police to cancel a scheduled demonstration heading to the Home Office, citing the need to avert significant public disturbances. The Met argued the move would prevent “serious public disorder.”
“Prevent serious public disorder.”
The Metropolitan Police noted that the event’s organizers, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), had expressed backing for the Iranian government. This marks the first instance in 14 years where the Met has prohibited a protest march.
Despite the ban, the IHRC stated they will proceed with a “static” demonstration, asserting that the decision to halt the rally was a “politically motivated move”. They emphasized that the event will remain a peaceful, pro-Palestinian gathering.
Strategic Measures and Expected Numbers
During a Thursday update, Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan revealed that utilizing the Thames as a barrier between conflicting groups represents a “novel strategy” designed to address the specific challenges posed by the Al Quds Day rally.
The Met anticipates a minimum of 6,000 attendees at the Al Quds protest, with another 6,000 counter-protesters expected, though they cautioned that numbers could rise sharply given the current regional tensions.
Demonstrators at the Al Quds event will occupy Albert Embankment to the south of the Thames, whereas counter-protesters will be confined to Millbank. Both Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges will be closed to general traffic, allowing only emergency vehicles to pass.
Over 1,000 officers, including members from community units and other agencies, will oversee the event. Additional patrols will be deployed near other ‘high-risk zones’ across London, particularly those with substantial Jewish populations.
“Will be briefed to act decisively.”
Adelekan highlighted that officers will be instructed to “respond swiftly” to various protest activities, such as displays of placards, flags, and chants. The assistant commissioner further stated that a “zero tolerance policy” will be enforced against hate crimes, with individuals promoting banned groups subject to detention.
Adelekan acknowledged that the ban and security measures won’t fully eliminate the risk of unrest, but they will significantly simplify the task of managing the protest.
Context and Historical Significance
The tradition of Al Quds Day started after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, and traditionally takes place on the last Friday of Ramadan. Marches are held around the world, and the day is described by the IHRC as an expression of support for Palestine.
In its decision to request the ban on the march, the Met said it took into account the history of the Al Quds rally, community tensions, and an “intelligence gap” among other factors.
