Police to use Thames to separate protesters at Al Quds protest
Police to Use Thames as a Separator at Al Quds Protest
On Sunday, the Metropolitan Police will deploy the River Thames as a divider to manage opposing groups at the Al Quds Day rally in central London. The event, set to take place in a densely populated area, will see demonstrators and counter-protesters separated by the waterway to minimize clashes.
Banned March Sparks Debate
The Met had previously blocked a planned demonstration heading to the Home Office, citing the need to “prevent serious public disorder.” This decision followed approval from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, marking the first such ban in 14 years. The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), the organizers, were labeled as “supportive of the Iranian regime” by authorities.
Static Protest as a Response
Despite the ban, the IHRC has announced a “static” protest will proceed, framing it as a peaceful, pro-Palestinian gathering. They argue the decision was “politically motivated,” asserting the event remains a non-violent expression of solidarity with Palestine.
New Strategy to Tackle Volatile Situation
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan highlighted the Thames as a “new bespoke tactic” in a recent briefing. The move aims to address the “unique set of circumstances” posed by the Al Quds rally, which has drawn heightened tensions due to recent events in the Middle East.
Logistics and Security Measures
The Met anticipates at least 6,000 participants for the Al Quds march, with an equal number of counter-protesters expected. They warned of “significantly more” attendees, given the region’s unrest. Protesters will gather south of the Thames on Albert Embankment, while counter-protesters will be confined to Millbank. Lambeth and Vauxhall Bridges will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.
Expanded Police Presence
Over 1,000 officers, including community units and support from other forces, will oversee the event. Additional patrols will target “vulnerable places” in London, such as areas with substantial Jewish populations, to bolster security.
Enforcing Decisive Actions
According to the Met, officers will be instructed to respond swiftly to incidents involving placards, flags, and chanting. A “zero tolerance approach” to hate crime has also been emphasized, with arrests possible for anyone supporting proscribed organizations.
“The ban and policing measures ‘doesn’t completely remove risk of disorder,’” Adelekan stated. “However, it will make the protest ‘immeasurably easier to police.’”
Factors Behind the Ban
The Metropolitan Police cited several reasons for requesting the ban, including the rally’s historical context, existing community tensions, and an “intelligence gap” in assessing potential risks.
Global Tradition of Al Quds Day
Al Quds Day, observed globally since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, traditionally occurs on the final Friday of Ramadan. The IHRC describes it as a key occasion for advocating Palestinian causes, despite the recent disruptions in London.
