Rights groups have condemned a decision by the Metropolitan Police Service to ban a pro-Palestinian march planned for Sunday in London.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood authorised the request, citing the need “to prevent serious public disorder”.
The decision blocks the annual Al Quds Day march, which has taken place peacefully for decades in solidarity with Palestinians and other oppressed communities worldwide. It marks the first time a protest march in the UK has been banned since 2012.
The event is organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which rejected the government’s reasoning and said previous demonstrations had passed without public disorder. The group said it “strongly condemns” the move and is seeking legal advice.
IHRC has also criticised British politicians and police, accusing them of acting as “Israel First” and prioritising Israeli interests over those of their constituents.
