Police investigate 'death to the IDF' chants led by Bobby Vylan at Al Quds Day rally

The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the use of chants such as “death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]” at an Al Quds Day protest in central London, where Bobby Vylan, a member of the punk duo Bob Vylan, was seen leading the chant. The demonstration took place despite the annual march being banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who agreed to the police request due to concerns over potential public disorder. Instead, hundreds of protesters took part in a static demonstration.

According to the Met, twelve individuals were arrested during the protest and a counter-protest. Social media videos appeared to show Pascal Robinson-Foster, known as Bobby Vylan, delivering a speech and chanting alongside the crowd. The police acknowledged the community concerns related to the chants but noted that previous instances had been reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service, which found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution at that time.

The event saw many attendees waving Iranian flags and carrying signs reading “Choose the right side of history.” Protesters also shouted phrases like “from the river to the sea” and “death, death to the IDF,” with some displaying images of the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Metropolitan Police indicated that the rally was supported by groups sympathetic to the Iranian regime, although the organizers described it as a pro-Palestinian protest.

Across the River Thames on the north bank, a counter-protest was held with participants including the Jewish-led organization Stop the Hate and groups opposing the Iranian regime, such as Lion Guard of Iran and the Free Iran Coalition. Israeli flags were displayed, and placards bearing messages like “Hamas is terrorist” were visible. The decision to ban the usual march, which is organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), was made because of the expected risk of disorder. As static protests are not prohibited by law, the police deemed this method easier to control and help keep opposing groups apart. Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan emphasized that the measure was necessary to manage public safety, and following the event, he reported that the policing strategy was effective, with attendance lower than anticipated

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More