Al Quds Day Protests: Police Hail Success Amid Arrests

0:00On March 15, 12 people were arrested today during an out-cuts-day protest and counter-protest in central London. The Metropolitan Police said turnout was much lower than expected, with events held static on opposite sides of the Thames River from 1 pm to 3 pm. Supporters of Iran's regime, wave flags and banners, honoring the late Ayatollah Khamenei, killed at age 86 in airstrikes on February 28, while backing his successor as Supreme Leader. Across the river, the stopped the hate group rallied in praise of dissidents challenging the government. Earlier this week, home secretary Shabbana Mahmoud approved a police request to ban any marching, forcing both sides to stay put. This setup helped officers keep the groups apart and avoid clashes. Police called the operation a success, with no breaches of the rules and orderly dispersal at 3 pm. They linked the smaller crowds to the restrictions, saying it prevented potential disorder. Arrests covered support for banned organizations, public fights and threatening behavior, plus

1:03an ongoing probe into chance from one speaker. Officials plan to review future events case by case, crediting nationwide officers for a safe outcome.