Thousands of pro-Tehran protesters are set to gather in London on Sunday, with the police vowing it will “act decisively” against intifada chants.
Around 12,000 demonstrators are expected to attend the annual Al Quds Day protest in the capital, with the Metropolitan Police preparing for a “difficult” public order situation.
Scotland Yard has mobilised around 1,000 officers to police the event amid ongoing tensions linked to the conflict in Iran.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a police request to ban marching for one month, marking the first time since 2012 that such restrictions have been imposed on a demonstration.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission, which organises the annual event, said the gathering will proceed “in defiance of a Government ban on the march”.
Participants are legally permitted to attend a “static protest” rather than a procession.
The demonstration has previously drawn criticism over perceived support for the Islamic Republic after organisers expressed backing for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A counter-demonstration organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran will also take place, with Iranian dissidents expected among those attending.
Around 12,000 demonstrators are expected to attend the annual Al Quds Day protest
|
GETTY
In an unprecedented move, police will use the River Thames as a natural barrier to separate the two groups.
It is believed to be the first time Scotland Yard has used the river to keep large-scale opposing protests apart.
Both gatherings will be confined to the area between Vauxhall Bridge and Lambeth Bridge and will take place between 1pm and 3pm.
The Al Quds Day assembly will be held at Albert Embankment, while counter-protesters will gather on the Millbank side of the river.
The demonstration has previously drawn criticism over perceived support for the Islamic Republic
|
GETTY
Lambeth Bridge will be closed to all traffic except emergency vehicles.
The Met said: “Officers on the ground will act decisively and be briefed on placards, flags and chanting that will cross the line into hate crime or support of a proscribed organisation.”
The force added: “We will also take action where we see chants calling for intifada. We know these words have consequences.”
Intifada translates from Arabic as “uprising” and typically refers to Palestinian resistance movements directed at Israel.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a police request to ban marching for one month
|
PAFollowing the Bondi Beach terror attack in Australia, the Met announced in December that those chanting “globalise the intifada” would face arrest as “the context has changed”.
Police warned that anyone participating in or encouraging marching would be detained.
Met Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed additional patrols would be deployed near religious buildings, community centres and diplomatic premises throughout the day.
Al Quds Day takes its name from the Arabic word for Jerusalem and traditionally falls on the final Friday of Ramadan.
