Metro53 - London (Web Desk) – The UK Home Secretary has imposed a ban on the “Al-Quds March” scheduled to take place in London on Sunday after approving a request from the Metropolitan Police.
According to the Home Secretary, the decision was taken to prevent serious public disorder that could arise during the march. In a statement, she said that protestors may still hold a demonstration by standing at a single location under strict conditions.
Meanwhile, Faisal Bodi, a commissioner of the organizing group Islamic Human Rights Commission, strongly criticized the decision, calling it “a very bad day for freedom of expression.” He stated that the demonstration has been held peacefully for the past 40 years.
When asked whether he would carry a picture of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah, Bodi replied that he would “happily” do so, adding that he would prefer carrying Ayatollah’s picture rather than that of Keir Starmer or Donald Trump, describing him as a principled and honest person who stood for justice.
Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner for Public Order Ed Adeyinkan said the ban will apply to the Al-Quds March and any related counter-protests. The restriction will come into effect from 4 pm on Wednesday and will remain in place for one month.
He said the Al-Quds March is particularly controversial because it originated in Iran and in London it is organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which is considered supportive of the Iranian government.
Former Met Police Chief Superintendent Dal Babu said the decision is very serious but was likely based on police intelligence, adding that the public should trust the police in such matters.
