A coalition of Iranian dissident groups assembled on Thursday outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters in London to object to what they perceive as law enforcement’s inaction toward the aggressive conduct of Islamic Republic sympathizers.
The Iranian demonstrators rallied to denounce what they said was the London police’s failure to promptly identify and apprehend those responsible for assaulting protesters outside the recent memorial ceremony in London for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash earlier this month along with seven others.
“The aggressive behavior exhibited by backers of the Islamic Republic and their violent clashes with dissenters undoubtedly constitute criminal offenses,” Vahid Abazari, one of the participants in the May 24 protest, told VOA. “The country purporting to uphold human rights must be held accountable for its failure to initiate investigations or apprehend the perpetrators.”
Navid, who would give only one name, was injured during an assault by Islamic Republic supporters at an anti-government rally in London.
“Despite the severity of my physical injuries, my spirits are high, and once I am discharged from the hospital, I’ll be ready to continue my fight against the Islamic Republic,” he told VOA from his hospital bed on May 26.
At the Raisi memorial ceremony a week ago in Wembley, a faction of Islamic Republic supporters launched an attack on demonstrators. The Metropolitan Police reported four individuals sustained minor injuries during the altercation, with one person arrested on suspicion of instigating disorder and violence.
