UK Bans Iran-Linked March Through London

Britain’s home secretary has banned the annual Al-Quds Day march planned for London, citing concerns about public disorder and rising tensions linked to the war in the Middle East.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to block the march, which was scheduled to take place Sunday. Authorities warned that the scale of the demonstration and expected counterprotests could lead to serious unrest.

Al-Quds Day, observed near the end of Ramadan, is marked by rallies supporting the Palestinian cause. In London, the event has traditionally included a large march through the city.

In recent years, however, the demonstration has drawn criticism after organizers expressed support for Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei and the event became associated with anti-Israel messaging.

Mahmood said the decision to ban the march was based on police assessments that the current regional tensions could lead to violence if the event proceeded as planned.

Police said the volatile international situation, including the ongoing war involving Iran and its regional allies, increased the risk of confrontation between demonstrators and counterprotesters.

Authorities noted that participants in previous Al-Quds marches had been arrested on suspicion of supporting terrorist organizations and for alleged antisemitic hate crimes.

While the march itself has been banned, officials said a stationary protest may still take place under strict conditions and with a heavy police presence.

Organizers of the event condemned the decision and said they are considering legal action.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission, which organizes the demonstration, said the ban was a “politically motivated decision” and described it as a blow to freedom of speech and the right to protest.

Police emphasized that such bans are rarely used and said the decision was taken due to the specific security risks posed by this year’s event.