UK government bans Al Quds Day march citing public disorder concerns

LONDON: The United Kingdom government has prohibited the annual Al Quds Day march, which was scheduled to take place on Sunday, following concerns raised by the London Metropolitan Police regarding potential public disorder and alleged links to the Iranian regime.

On Tuesday, Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood announced that she had approved a rare request from the police to ban the procession. Mahmood stated that she was “satisfied” a ban was “necessary” due to “the scale of the protest and multiple counter-protests, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” She further emphasized her expectation to see “the full force of the law applied to anyone spreading hatred and division.”

This marks the first time since 2012 that a protest march has been banned in the UK. However, authorities have clarified that a static demonstration will still be permitted, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The annual Al Quds Day march is organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), a non-governmental organization. In response to the ban, the IHRC issued a statement strongly condemning the decision, describing it as “politically charged.” The organization said, “We are deeply disappointed by the government’s move to restrict our right to peaceful assembly and protest.”

London police have claimed that the group behind the march is “supportive of the Iranian regime.” The government’s decision comes amid heightened tensions and increased demonstrations related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

While the march itself will not proceed, participants are still allowed to gather for a stationary protest. The authorities have indicated that law enforcement will be present to ensure that any demonstration remains peaceful and within the bounds of the law.