We need £30,000 NOW to take our case to court, support our legal challenge to the Al-Quds Day march ban.
For over 40 years, people in London have marched peacefully for Al-Quds Day. This year, after pressure from ministers, the authorities have banned it.
We are launching an urgent legal challenge to defend the right to peaceful protest, and we need your help to take this case to court.
If this decision goes unchallenged, it risks setting a dangerous precedent for protest rights in Britain. Particularly where they concern Palestine.
Earlier this year, the High Court in the Palestine Action challenge specifically stated the right to protest on the rights of Palestinians would be protected regardless of proscription or not. A basis of that judgment was that the right to protest on the issue of Palestine is a right that will remain protected.
Despite this, this annual peaceful protest marked in the last ten days of Ramadan is now being banned by the police.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission Ltd (IHRC) is preparing to challenge this decision through the courts, but legal action must be taken quickly, and it requires resources.
We are raising £30,000 to make this challenge possible.
Why This Matters
The right to peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy. When authorities are able to ban a demonstration that has taken place peacefully for four decades, it raises serious questions about:
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom of political expression
- Equal treatment under the law
- The limits of police powers
This case is not just about one march. It is about whether fundamental rights can be restricted by the police and government without a valid reason.
If this decision is not challenged, it may open the door to future bans on protests and demonstrations across the UK on spurious grounds.
What Your Donation Will Support
We aim to raise £30,000 to cover the costs of bringing this legal challenge. This includes costs that may arise whether the case succeeds or not, such as:
- Legal advice and preparation
- Court filings and administrative costs
- Representation by a specialist legal team
- Evidence gathering and legal research
- Potential adverse legal costs depending on the outcome of the case
Legal challenges against public authorities require careful preparation and responsible financial planning, which is why we are raising funds to cover both successful and unsuccessful outcomes.
What Happens If We Raise More Than We Need
We are committed to transparency and responsible use of funds. If the total legal costs are less than the amount raised, any remaining funds will be used to set up a legal fund to assist other individuals and organisations targeted for their support of Palestine.
In other words, every donation will support the defence of civil liberties of pro-Palestine activists in the UK.
Why Act Now
Legal challenges must be initiated quickly. Without immediate action, the opportunity to challenge this decision may be lost.
Your support today will help ensure that this decision is tested in court and scrutinised properly.
How You Can Help
✔ Donate whatever you can
✔ SHARE this campaign widely
✔ Stand up for the right to peaceful protest
Even small contributions make a real difference.
Together, we can ensure that fundamental freedoms are not quietly eroded.
Fundraising Target: £30,000
Donations to this campaign are received and administered by IHRC Ltd (not IHRC Trust). As such, contributions are not eligible for Gift Aid.