Protesters were banned from marching and were kept on separate sides of the River Thames
The Met Police revealed 12 people were arrested during today’s Al Quds protest and counter-protest in central London, with officers admitting fewer people attended the rallies than expected.
Supporters of the Iranian Regime marked its Al Quds day while waving placards dedicated to the late Ayatollah Khamenei, 86, who was killed in airstrikes on Iran on February 28, while others attending the demonstration waved Iranian flags and banners in support of the new Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
On the opposite side of the river, a separate protest organised by Stop The Hate praised the dissidents standing up to the regime. Earlier this week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the Met Police’s request to ban any marching through central London, with organisers told to keep their respective demonstrations static on either side of the Thames.
The protests lasted from 1pm until 3pm when they were ordered to disperse. Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, public order lead for the Met Police, said: “Our policing plan worked, with both groups kept apart and we saw no attempts from either side to breach conditions by marching. Both sets dispersed as planned from 3pm.
“We saw significantly fewer people attend than we had anticipated. The restrictions and conditions meant many people chose to stay away and not to attend the protest or counter-protest.
“This shows our decision to apply for the ban was the right one. A static protest meant it was easier for officers to keep the two groups apart and prevent serious public disorder.
“We made 12 arrests including for showing support for a proscribed organisation, affray and for threatening or abusive behaviour. We are also investigating chants made by a speaker at the Al Quds protest.
“As I said from the outset, the decision to ban the protest march does not set a precedent and we will continue to consider each protest on a case-by-case basis.
“I want to extend my thanks to the officers, including those from across the country who supported us. Their professionalism and commitment helped us to keep protestors and Londoners safe.”
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