Sir Mark Rowley
Metropolitan Police Commissioner
New Scotland Yard,
8-10, Broadway,
London,
SW1H 0AZ
20 June 2025
Dear Sir Rowley,
Unprovoked and Islamophobic violence and attacks by anti-Iran protestors on Iranian demonstrators
We are writing to raise urgent concerns about a series of unprovoked, and organised attacks on peaceful Iranian demonstrators by individuals claiming to be anti-Iranian “loyalists.”
These individuals have repeatedly gathered outside the Iranian Embassy and attended legitimate demonstrations, with the sole aim of intimidating, harassing, and physically assaulting those calling for peace and an end to the war in Iran and Gaza. Their actions appear to be coordinated, with clear evidence of premeditated violence promoted and shared via social media. The attacks are filmed and then posted on social media platforms. Please see video of one such attack that occurred today.
On Tuesday 17 June 2025, a journalist was attacked near the Iranian Embassy. He was followed down a side street, and violently assaulted by a group of anti-Iran protesters.
Ahead of the planned anti-war demonstration in Russell Square tomorrow, and in anticipation of future public gatherings, we urgently request that the Metropolitan Police work with us and the wider community to conduct a robust risk assessment. The safety of the public and of peaceful demonstrators must be ensured.
We specifically ask that this risk assessment include:
- Identification and action against perpetrators – Reviewing CCTV footage and social media posts to identify those responsible for the attacks, with a view to preventing their attendance at future demonstrations and pursuing appropriate legal action, including arrest for assault.
- Recognition of hate crimes – Acknowledging that these attacks are motivated by religious hatred and Islamophobia, and should be treated as such under existing hate crime legislation.
We trust you will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and look forward to your swift response and engagement.
Yours faithfully,
Massoud Shadjareh,
