Pro-Iran protesters gathered in central London on Sunday for the annual Al-Quds Day rally, shouting anti-Israel slogans and waving Palestinian flags as police made three arrests during the protest and a counter-demonstration.
Crowds at the demonstration were heard chanting “death, death to the IDF” and “from the river to the sea”, while some protesters held posters of Iran’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with the message “Choose the right side of history”.
Banners reading “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation” were also displayed, according to a report by The Independent.
Musician Bob Vylan addressed the crowd during the event, leading chants directed at the Israeli Defence Forces.
Three arrested during protest
The Metropolitan Police said three people were arrested during the protests. One person was detained for allegedly showing support for a proscribed organisation, another for dangerous driving, and a third for threatening and abusive behaviour.
Authorities had warned in advance that chanting certain slogans or displaying symbols linked to banned organisations could lead to arrests.
March banned, only static protest allowed
The annual Al-Quds Day march through central London was banned this year after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a police request to restrict the event.
Instead, demonstrators were permitted to hold a two-hour “static protest” from 1pm to 3pm along Albert Embankment on the south side of the River Thames.
Police said the decision was taken due to fears of clashes and the risk of disorder. It marked the first time since 2012 that such a restriction had been imposed on the rally.
Heavy police presence in central London
More than 1,000 officers were deployed to manage the demonstrations, which police had earlier described as a potentially “difficult public order” situation.
Participants in the Al-Quds rally were confined to the Albert Embankment area between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges, while a pro-Israel counter-protest gathered across the river on Millbank.
Police boats were also stationed on the Thames to keep the rival groups apart.
Counter-protest held across the river
A counter-demonstration organised by Stop The Hate and Iranian dissident groups took place on the opposite bank, with participants waving Israeli flags and holding signs criticising Hamas.
Police said officers were deployed across Westminster to ensure both protests remained peaceful and lawful, adding that any offences would be dealt with swiftly.
Al-Quds Day, named after the Arabic word for Jerusalem, is traditionally marked on the last Friday of Ramadan and has been held in London for decades, though it has often drawn controversy over alleged support for the Iranian regime and militant groups.
