Man admits arson near Golders Green memorial wall

A man has admitted carrying out an arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green, north London.

The fire damaged a memorial cabinet in Limes Avenue on 27 April. It was reported to have been started at about 00:15 BST but was quickly extinguished.

The cabinet, which was positioned against the memorial wall, was established by the Miga Rally community group as a tribute to protesters killed during a crackdown in Iran in January.

Ali Fallahi, 46, of Ilford, east London, pleaded guilty to one count of arson at Harrow Crown Court. Judge John Lodge granted him conditional bail until sentencing at Harrow Crown Court on 16 October.

The Metropolitan Police said Fallahi was a dual British-Iranian national.

Part of the wall is also dedicated to people killed in the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel in 2023.

Following the incident, Miga Rally said in a statement: "The memorial wall is a peaceful place of remembrance, documenting lives lost and ensuring victims are not forgotten.

"Any attempt to damage or desecrate such a site is deeply troubling and an attack on the values of remembrance, dignity and community cohesion.

"We hope those responsible will be identified and held accountable."

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