Crowds chant ‘death to the IDF’ at al-Quds rally in London as police arrest protesters at ‘static’ demonstration | EUROtoday

Protesters have been arrested in central London after greater than 1,000 officers had been drafted in to police an al-Quds day demonstration which occur on each side of the River Thames.

The Metropolitan Police stated 12 folks had been arrested on the protest and counter-protest, together with one for allegedly displaying help for a proscribed organisation. One was held on suspicion of harmful driving and a 3rd was arrested for threatening and abusive behaviour.

Crowds on the protest had been heard chanting “death, death to the IDF (Israeli-Defence-Forces)” after musician Bob Vylan made a speech on the occasion. Demonstrators additionally chanted “from the river to the sea” and held footage of Iran’s late chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accompanied by the message “Choose the right side of history”.

Officers stated an investigation had been opened into the chants.

The Met Police stated in an announcement: “We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest and will be investigating.

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“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 who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward.”

The drive confirmed the investigation was in relation to the “death, death to the IDF” chant.

This week, residence secretary Shabana Mahmood granted a police request for a month-long ban on the march organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), marking the primary such protest restriction since 2012.

Despite the ban, members had been nonetheless legally allowed to assemble for a “static protest,” with the IHRC stating the demonstration would proceed “in defiance of a government ban on the march.”

Scotland Yard had been braced for a “difficult public order” surroundings, with at the very least 1,000 officers drafted in to handle the group.

Scores of individuals started arriving from 1pm on Sunday, with many holding Palestine flags and banners – some studying “Free Palestine” and “No to Israeli occupation”.

The annual al-Quds day demonstration in London had drawn criticism over obvious backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed help for the nation’s late chief.

A counter-protest has additionally been deliberate, co-organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran group, with police utilizing the River Thames to dam the demonstrations from clashing. Iranian dissidents had been anticipated to be among the many attendees, Stop The Hate stated.

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In a publish on X, the Metropolitan Police stated: “Protesters have assembled on both sides of the river. The al-Quds day protest on the Albert Embankment and the counter-protest in Millbank.

“Conditions are in place stating the protests must conclude by 1500hrs.”

Police instructed these collaborating within the al-Quds day protest that they have to keep on Albert Embankment, on the south facet of the River Thames, whereas the counter-protest was instructed to assemble on Millbank, the north facet of the River Thames.

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In a publish on X, the police added that there can be elevated officer presence in Westminster later.

It added: “Officers will be deployed to ensure the annual al-Quds Day march and a pro-Israel counter protest take place safely and lawfully, with any offences dealt with.”

According to stories in The Timesa girl holding an indication in help of Palestine Action was seen being led away by officers. Footage confirmed the activist holding a placard that learn: “I still oppose genocide. I still support Palestine Action.”

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Hussain Shafiei from the Workers Party of Britain has spoken at al-Quds Day march, in response to The Sunday Times.

He instructed the group: “The al-Quds march has happened 40 years peacefully; this is the first time it has been banned. They are so worried, they are so scared that the whole world has turned on Zionism.”

Also, chatting with the group was musician Bob Vylan, who was investigated final yr over anti-Israeli Defence Forces chants at Glastonbury Festival, when he chanted “death, death to the IDF” throughout his efficiency. However, the police determined no additional motion can be taken in relation to the Glastonbury incident.

A video stream of his speech on the al-Quds day protest additionally exhibits Mr Vylan, whose actual title is Pascal Robinson-Foster, shouting chants of “death, death to the IDF” with the group.

In an announcement on X, the Metropolitan Police stated: “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 who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward.”

Although it isn’t clear if the police had been referring particularly to “death to the IDF” chants or “from the river to the sea.”