By Michael Holden LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - British police said on Thursday they would use the River Thames as a barrier to separate pro-Iranian protesters from counterdemonstrators in central
UK Police to Use River Thames as Barrier Between Pro-Iranian Rally and Opponents
Police Strategy and Public Safety Measures for Upcoming London Protests
By Michael Holden
Unique Use of River Thames as a Physical Barrier
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - British police said on Thursday they would use the River Thames as a barrier to separate pro-Iranian protesters from counterdemonstrators in central London this weekend in what they said was a unique way of preventing possible violent clashes.
Background and Ban on Al Quds March
Government Approval and Reasons for Ban
The police, with the approval of interior minister Shabana Mahmood, announced earlier this week that Sunday's planned annual Al Quds march, organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, had been banned citing the tensions and risks created by the Iran war.
Static Assembly Allowed Despite Ban
However, that ban does not prevent a static assembly and the IHRC, which police said is supportive of the Iranian regime, intends to go ahead with a rally for "Palestinian liberation."
Logistics and Security Arrangements
Protest Locations and Bridge Closure
London Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said that in order "to reduce the risk of serious public disorder," the IHRC protest would be held on the south bank of the Thames.
A counterprotest, involving a mix of groups from opponents of the Tehran government to pro-Israeli supporters, will be on the other side of the river, with Westminster's Lambeth Bridge closed.
Police Tactics and Expected Attendance
"This is a new bespoke tactic, and something we have not tried before in recent times," he told reporters. "This is a unique set of circumstances."
Some 1,000 police officers will be on duty for the protests, with about 12,000 protesters expected, although Adelekan said far more could turn up.
Freedom of Speech and Law Enforcement Approach
"While we will protect the right to freedom of speech, there is a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and anyone who crosses the line can expect to face arrest," he said.
Implications and Precedents
No Precedent Set for Future Protests
Adelekan said the ban on the Al Quds march, the first of its kind in 14 years, did not set a precedent for Iranian protests or pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Resource Assessment and Decision Rationale
He said the decision had not been taken lightly but their assessment was that even with strict conditions it would have required "significant resources and likely use of force" to keep the rival marches apart.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Mark Porter)
