Arrests Made at Al Quds Day Demonstrations
Three individuals were arrested during Al Quds Day protests and counter-protests held in central London, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Hundreds of people participated in static protests on Sunday after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a police request to ban the traditional annual march due to concerns over potential public disorder.
The arrests were made on charges including showing support for a proscribed organisation, dangerous driving, and threatening and abusive behaviour, the police reported. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police stated it is investigating chanting that occurred at the Al Quds Day rally.
Lambeth Bridge remained closed on Sunday afternoon, with approximately 1,000 officers deployed to maintain separation between the two groups.
In a statement posted on X, the Metropolitan Police said:
"We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest and will be investigating.
We recognise the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London's Jewish communities.
When this language had been used previously we sought advice from the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward."
Details of the Al Quds Rally
At the Al Quds Day rally, many participants waved Iranian flags and held placards bearing the message "Choose the right side of history." Some demonstrators chanted the phrase "from the river to the sea" and displayed images of the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The organisers described the event as a pro-Palestinian protest; however, the Metropolitan Police indicated that those behind the demonstration are supportive of the Iranian regime.
Bobby Vylan, part of the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan, was photographed attending the rally. Last year, police opted not to pursue criminal charges after their Glastonbury 2025 performance, during which Vylan led crowds in chants of "death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)."
Counter-Protest on the North Bank of the Thames
On the north bank of the River Thames, a counter-protest gathered, comprising various groups including Stop the Hate, a Jewish-led organisation campaigning against antisemitism, as well as anti-Iranian regime groups such as Lion Guard of Iran and the Free Iran Coalition.
Some attendees waved Israeli flags, and one sign displayed the message "Hamas is terrorist."
Background on Al Quds Day and Police Measures
Al-Quds Day, named after the Arabic term for Jerusalem, is traditionally observed on the last Friday of Ramadan. The event was first held shortly after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, with marches taking place worldwide, the largest being in Iran.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a Metropolitan Police request for a month-long ban on the annual march, which is organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC). This power was last exercised in 2012.
There is no legislation prohibiting static protests, allowing these to proceed.
The Metropolitan Police stated that their assessment concluded a static protest would be easier to police and would help prevent the two opposing groups from coming into contact.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan commented on the decision to ban the marches:
"While the decision to ban the marches was not taken lightly, the risk of public disorder was so severe, we did not have any other choice."
During the 2024 march, the Metropolitan Police reported that 10 people were arrested.
Additional reporting was provided by Nick Triggle and Simon Jones.
