Khamenei vigil to go ahead in Manchester tonight as police say law prevents ban
Police confirm vigil and counter-protest tonight as tributes to Iran’s Supreme Leader also take place at UK mosques
A vigil commemorating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will take place in Manchester tonight, with police telling Jewish News the law prevents a ban.
Promotional material circulating online advertises a candlelit vigil at 8pm on Sidney Street in the city centre, inviting people to attend an event for the “late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Husseini Khamenei”. The poster says it is supported by the Friends of Islamic Centre of Manchester.
The planned gathering has raised concern among some community figures, given Khamenei’s role as Iran’s long-serving leader and his regime’s links to militant groups hostile to Israel and the Jewish community.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed officers are aware of the vigil, as well as a counter-protest expected nearby tonight.
Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: “The events in the Middle East are significant for those in Greater Manchester with ties to Iran and the wider region. It is understandable that these evoke a range of views and emotions.
“We are aware of plans for a vigil and a nearby counter-protest in the city centre on Wednesday night. We are engaging with those involved as well as our partners at Manchester City Council.”
Responding to criticism about why the gathering is being allowed to proceed, Sykes said police powers to stop demonstrations are tightly limited by legislation.
“We recognise the strength of feeling out there from people who question how and why such gatherings can take place,” he said.
“Put simply, we cannot ban gatherings unless there is a clear risk to life and property – this is a very high threshold constrained by the current legislation.”
Police say they have spoken with organisers of both the vigil and the counter-protest, who have indicated they intend the events to remain peaceful.
“We have engaged with both the organisers of the vigil and the nearby counter-protest. They have made clear their intention for their respective gatherings to be peaceful,” Sykes said.
“GMP continues to police without fear or favour. We are well-resourced and experienced in regularly managing such gatherings and events to minimise wider disruption and prioritise public safety.”
He added that officers expect the gatherings to remain contained and warned that anyone committing offences will face action.
“It is on all those present to act responsibly. Anyone suspected of breaking the law will be dealt with.
“Our local officers will continue to engage with those in attendance and will have the support of specialist resources if needed.”
The Manchester event comes amid similar vigils and tributes reported at some mosques and university societies across the UK following Khamenei’s death.
At the Islamic Centre of England in north London, candlelit photographs of the Iranian leader were placed outside the building during a gathering described as mourning his “martyrdom”. The centre has previously faced scrutiny from the Charity Commission, which has investigated allegations it operates as an extension of the Iranian state – claims the organisation has denied.
Tributes have also circulated online advertising commemorations in cities including London, Birmingham and Nottingham.
On university campuses, several student-led Islamic societies have posted messages mourning Khamenei online, prompting criticism from Jewish student leaders.
Louis Danker, president of the Union of Jewish Students, said: “For months, we have seen the shameful glorification of the terrorist activities of Hamas and Hezbollah.
“It is therefore unsurprising to see the same student groups eulogise and praise Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has brought such devastation to the people of Iran and sponsored terrorism in Israel and around the world.”
He added that student organisations “who glorify Khamenei and collaborate with Press TV, an Iranian state broadcaster, must be investigated and held to account.”
Police say they will monitor tonight’s Manchester vigil and counter-protest to ensure public safety.
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