Police arrest a dozen at London Al-Quds Day rally under heavy restrictions

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London for the annual Al-Quds Day demonstration, an international show of solidarity with Palestinians.

“Hundreds gathered in central London for the annual Al-Quds Day demonstration, an international show of solidarity with Palestinians that this year took place under sweeping new restrictions and a heavy police presence”

Al Jazeera

The event took place under sweeping new restrictions and a heavy police presence.

Al Jazeera

The Al-Quds Day protest was organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) and is typically held toward the end of Ramadan.

This year's event was framed as a protest against the genocide in Gaza and opposing the widening Israeli-US war.

The UK government approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to prohibit the traditional march.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood cited concerns about 'serious public disorder' as the reason for the ban.

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan acknowledged that turnout was lower than expected.

He stated that 'fewer people attend than we had anticipated' and that police conditions caused some participants to stay away.

Police deployed approximately 1,000 officers across the area and implemented significant restrictions on the protest.

The traditional march through central London was prevented, confining participants to a stationary rally.

Haaretz

Demonstrators were restricted to the Albert Embankment of the River Thames.

Officers used the Thames as a physical barrier to separate demonstrators from counter-protesters.

This barrier tactic was designed to reduce the risk of clashes between opposing groups.

The Metropolitan Police reported making 12 arrests during the event.

Arrests included charges of 'showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour.'

Police announced they were 'investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest.'

The protest featured strong messaging against Israel's genocide in Gaza.

“London Al-Quds rally defies restrictions amid Gaza war anger Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on Sunday for the annual Al-Quds Day rally, after British authorities blocked the traditional march through the capital”

Middle East Eye

Demonstrators denounced western support for the campaign that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

Many demonstrators waved Palestinian flags during the rally.

Speakers addressed Israel's war on Gaza and the widening Israeli-US war.

Specific anti-Israel slogans were chanted, including 'death, death to the IDF.'

Participants held pictures of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The images carried the message 'Choose the right side of history.'

The protest was explicitly framed as opposing the genocide in Gaza.

Banners and slogans called for 'Hands Off Iran' in response to recent US-Israeli attacks.

The demonstration occurred amid heightened tensions following the assassination of Iran's top leadership.

A counter-protest was present during the Al-Quds Day demonstration.

The counter-protest was organized by groups including Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran.

Al Jazeera

Some counter-protest participants carried Israeli flags.

The police's decision to ban the traditional march came amid fears of unrest amid the Iran war.

Authorities cited concerns about potential clashes between opposing groups.

The heavy police presence reflected authorities' efforts to maintain order.

Police used the Thames as a barrier to prevent confrontations.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission strongly condemned the police decision to ban the march.

The IHRC argued that restrictions curtailed the right to protest in support of Palestinians.

The commission stated the decision demonstrated an attempt to suppress legitimate political expression.