Offensive signs saying ‘boom boom Tel Aviv’ held up at Al Quds Day protest
Horrific signs including ‘boom boom Tel Aviv’ are being displayed at the annual Al Quds Day demonstration in central London.
At least 1,000 officers have been drafted in to manage crowds expected of around 12,000 people as conflict continues in Iran.
On the south side of the city, thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters have gathered where the atmosphere is tense.
Hundreds of police have thrown a ring of steel around the gathered demonstrators.
One young man, aged in his 20s, is holding a sign which says ‘boom boom Tel Aviv’.
Other pro-regime signs are on display and one banner which says the ‘Epstein regime’ murdered 168 school children in Iran.
A sign urging the Home Secretary to de-prescribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is also being held.
It reads: ‘Home Secretary, de-prescribe Palestine Action.’
Holding a sign which expresses support for Palestine Action is a crime and has led to thousands being arrested in previous months.
The annual Al Quds Day demonstration in London had drawn criticism over apparent backing for the Iranian regime after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A counter-protest has also been planned, co-organised by Stop The Hate and The Lion Guard of Iran group, with police using the River Thames to block the demonstrations from clashing.
Iranian dissidents are expected to be among the attendees, Stop The Hate said.
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All protests and counter-protests will take place between Vauxhall and Lambeth bridges, and are permitted between 1pm and 3pm, the Met said.
Counter-protesters can assemble on the Millbank side of the Thames, while the Al Quds Day demonstration will be situated at Albert Embankment.
It is thought to be the first time that Scotland Yard has used the river as a physical barrier to keep a large-scale protest and counter-protests apart.
Reporting by Ben Sturt
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