London braces for Nakba Day commemoration while far right hold rally
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Tens of thousands are expected at two rival demonstrations in London, including a Nakba solidarity march and a far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson.
- Authorities will deploy about 4,000 officers and use live facial recognition technology for the first time at a protest policing operation.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on London later today for two major demonstrations, one marking the Nakba in Palestine and another led by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson.
The UK’s Press Association (PA) reports that about 4,000 police officers are expected to be on duty, with 660 being drafted in from forces outside the London Metropolitan area.
For the first time under official protest restrictions, organisers of the rallies will face prosecution as well as any speakers who break the law by using the events as a platform for extremism or hate speech, according to the PA.
Prosecutors have been told to consider whether protest placards, banners and chants viewed on social media may amount to offences of stirring up hatred during the rallies.
Live facial recognition will also be used for the first time in a protest policing operation, according to the PA.
