The London Police prepare a “significant” operation for the protests planned for the anniversary of October 7

MADRID 5 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The London Metropolitan Police announced this Friday the deployment of a “significant” police operation throughout the city to address the commemorative events and demonstrations planned for the first anniversary of the attacks of October 7, 2023.

“A major police operation will take place across London in the coming days in response to planned protests and events to mark the anniversary of the 7 October terrorist attacks,” he said in a statement.

“We recognize that this weekend, so close to the anniversary of October 7, emotions will be heightened and fears for security will understandably increase,” added Lou Puddefoot, who directs the operation, while recalling that They have already monitored previous protests “without fear or favor, ensuring that legitimate protests were allowed to take place and intervening when the line of crime has been crossed.”

Puddefoot has assured that the agents “have maintained regular contact with the organizers” of the different planned events and that they have “detailed plans to guarantee the safety of attendees and to be able to respond to any incident or crime.”

Likewise, London Police are “working closely” with community intermediaries “to offer advice, reassurance and a visible presence, especially in areas where we know fears are greatest.”

Among the planned events, the so-called Palestine Solidarity Campaign has called for this Saturday, together with other groups, a march from Russell Square to Whitehall, where there are expected to be some speeches. In parallel, the group Stop The Hate has scheduled a counterprotest along the same route.

A memorial event organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and other groups will also be held in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon.

However, police authorities have assured that they have no evidence of any “significant” public event called for Monday, the anniversary of the attacks.

In this context, the Police have recalled that both the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Lebanese Shiite party-militia Hezbollah are “proscribed organizations” in the United Kingdom, “which means that they are prohibited”, and have warned that ” “Anyone displaying symbols, words or in any way indicating support for a banned organization risks arrest.”

“The same applies to anyone who appears to support, celebrate or justify the actions of these organizations,” he added, urging people who are going to participate in the aforementioned events to “remain on the previously agreed route” during the time stipulated for the same ones.