30 May 2019 | 06:09 AM UTC
South Africa: Al-Quds Day events scheduled across South Africa May 31
Several cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, to hold Al-Quds Day events on May 31; localized disruptions likely near demonstration sites
Event
Al-Quds Day events and other pro-Palestinian demonstrations are scheduled to be held in cities across South Africa on Friday, May 31, including in Johannesburg (Guateng province), Pretoria (Guateng province), and Cape Town (Western Cape province). Participants are expected to gather in Johannesburg at 13:30 (local time) at the City Council building to demand the approval of a proposed name change to the street of the US consulate. In Cape Town, demonstrators will meet at Keizergracht Street at 14:00. Localized transportation and business disruptions are expected near all demonstration sites along with a heightened security presence.
Context
Al-Quds Day was initiated by Iran in 1979 in opposition to Israel's Jerusalem Day. Iran sponsors Al-Quds Day rallies and protests in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries. It falls every year on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan.
Advice
Individuals in South Africa are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruptions near demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
