Key information
Request reference number: 666
Date of response:
Summary of request
You requested:
I would like to request all details regarding the gathering that took place on Westminster Bridge on January 25 2025 or thereabouts for the Imam Musa Kazim Martyrdom Procession.
Involvement of the Mayor’s Office: Details of any role played by the Mayor’s Office or the Greater London Authority (GLA) in the planning, approval, or oversight of this procession.
Authority Granted: Information on the authority or justification under which this event was approved, particularly given its public location and the disruption caused to traffic and access.
Correspondence: Copies of all correspondence (emails, letters, meeting notes, etc.) between the Mayor’s Office, Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police, or any other parties regarding this event.
Consultations or Decisions: Records of any consultations or decisions made by the Mayor’s Office in relation to this event, including any coordination with Transport for London (TfL) or the Metropolitan Police.
Nature of the Event: Justifications or considerations given regarding the nature of the event, including scenes of self-flagellation involving half-naked participants. As such displays are grotesque and barbaric, I would like to understand why this was deemed acceptable in a modern society, and why the need to do this with Big Ben in the background of all their video footage.
Public Impact: Any assessments conducted regarding the event’s impact on public order, traffic disruption, or community sensitivities.
Costs and Resources: Details of any resources or costs incurred by the Mayor’s Office, GLA, TfL, or other bodies under the Mayor’s remit in facilitating this event.
If there were no permissions granted for this event, I would like to understand how such a large group was allowed to engage in such a clear display of authoritarianism and barbarity on Westminster Bridge.
Please provide the requested information in electronic format. If any part of this request is unclear or requires clarification, do not hesitate to contact me.
Our response:
The Mayors Office for Policing and Crime does not hold this information. MOPAC was not involved in the organisation and management of this procession.
However, the Greater London Authority (GLA) may hold the information requested. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, both MOPAC and the GLA are considered separate and independent organisations. You can request this information from them via emailing [email protected] or by visiting their website at Freedom of information | London City Hall.