Mr Saeed has lodged a claim of racist and homophobic harassment against his bosses at Deutsche Bank, which is one of the world’s biggest financial institutions. The next stage in his legal action will be heard before an employment tribunal in London in late April (full details in the briefing below).

The London conference involved chief executives and directors from some of the best known companies in Britain and Europe.

“We hope our protest will pressure Deutsche Bank and other city firms to ensure they have effective equal opportunities policies, including a zero tolerance policy towards racist and homophobic harassment,” said protest coordinator Peter Tatchell, of the gay human rights group OutRage!.

“Although Deutsche Bank has an equal opportunities policy, it appears to be unenforced. The company needs to overhaul its mechanisms for the redress of grievances, to ensure they are effective.

“Winning this battle will not only help secure justice for Mr Saeed, but also help ensure a safer, fairer workplace for others too,” Mr Tatchell said.

Today’s protest was organised by Sid’s family, with the support of the Student’s Union at SOAS, and the gay human rights group OutRage!