Protestor stabbed at anti-war demo in Downing Street

A peaceful protester was stabbed outside Downing Street during a demonstration against the US and Israel’s illegal war against Iran, attended by Iranian activists on opposing sides.

Two men, who were taking part in an anti-Iranian counter demonstration, stabbed Mohammed Reza, a British-Iranian and father of two.

Paramedics took Reza to the hospital for treatment, but the extent of his injuries is unclear. Images circulating on social media show very visible stab wounds to Reza’s stomach. Police have since arrested the attackers.

Only recently, a video went viral on social media showing similar pro-monarchy protestors swearing at Reza, whilst he walked to the station with his children.

The stabbing occurred after counter-protestors threatened the main protest with physical violence in full view of the police.

According to Hands Off Iran Coalition:

Eye-witnesses report that the police seem to have paid little attention to keeping the counter-protestors away from the main demonstration, organised by the

This is despite the fact that police are aware that pro-monarchist anti-Iran protestors have a history of trouble and violence.

In recent weeks, they have also targeted mosques, centres and individuals that have shown support for Iran. This includes throwing Molotov cocktails at the Islamic Centre of England in London.

One rule for them

Over the last couple of years, the British Government has imposed increasingly harsher restrictions on anti-genocide protesters in the UK. From the proscription of Palestine Action and the Home Secretary banning the annual Al Quds Day march in London, to the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill — it has become clear that the Israel lobby has more influence than ever on British politics and policing.

But now, a pro-Israel, pro-Iranian monarchist has stabbed a peaceful protester in broad daylight. Importantly, this only highlights how extra restrictions and curtailed protest rights are completely one-sided.

The Government claimed the changes would ‘protect the public’, yet it was well aware of the violent history of the counter-protesters, and did nothing. Meanwhile, the police continuously arrest and harass anti-genocide protesters, who have no violent history, simply for opposing mass murder and ethnic cleansing.

Two-tier policing is well and truly alive.

Feature image via the Canary