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EDL protest sparks police warning
Date published: 07 October 2009
POLICE fear violent clashes when a group branded as far-right fascists demonstrate in Manchester on Saturday.
A protest has been organised by the English Defence League (EDL) — which has an Oldham branch — and aims to protest against Islamic extremism.
However, a counter-protest by the Unite Against Fascism (UAF) group will be held in the city centre on the same day.
EDL organisers have informed Greater Manchester Police of the demonstration, which they anticipate will see hundreds of supporters flock to the city.
A similar rally in Birmingham earlier this year resulted in 90 arrests.
Police do not have the power to ban protests which consist of a static assembly of people.
But a large police operation has been organised as both groups will hold their demonstrations in the afternoon, a busy time for families and shoppers.
The operation is aimed at ensuring residents and visitors are able to go about their business, while allowing people’s democratic right to protest.
Disturbance
An EDL spokesman said: “We are expecting some disturbance from Islamic extremists. The EDL haven’t attacked, we have been attacked.”
Ameen Hadi, spokesman for the Greater Manchester branch of UAF, said: “We don’t think there is any place for fascists and racists to meet in our city centre.”
Chief Supt Gerry Donnellan said: “While we respect people’s right to protest peacefully, the safety of the community is paramount. Anyone who behaves in a way which might create disorder will be dealt with.”
Comments
Loks like uaf are looking for another fight, makes you think who is the facist/racist here................ EDL get my vote any islamic extremism should be shutdown
EDL endorsed by Keith, no surprise there. More proof of what there about by looking at who they attract.
If the protests are "static" why can't the Police ensure that the protests are at locations that will not be within a certain distance from each other.The fact that the Police are allowing two protests in the first place will only end in trouble and this will only give both factions the publicity they want.
I thought the very reason we are at war, the very reason why we are 'free' in this society is because of our democratic values and freedom of speech. And from what i saw of previous protests its the EDF that have been abused and attacked. The people at Luton Airport shouting abuse at heroic troops should count themselves lucky that they have the opportunity to do that in this society.
It is now apparent from internet footage that the EDL have been the victims recently(tv footage is edited but still only shows them being corralled for their own safety,chased or attacked by muslims))and that the freedom to protest is only for some.Police can demand that UAF protest on another day but dont.
I wonder if the UAF will respect the EDL's right to protest peacefully?
fightback what is racist about saying no more mosques and why does it prove EDL hate all muslims? I have muslim friends etc, etc and I don't want anymore mosques either!!!!!
The EDL are quick to target the Luton incident but forget that all the outspoken asians were arrested and prosecuted. The EDL would not need to have formed if the press and police had made clear the outcome of the actions of a very small number of muslims. The ANL and MCB are also guilty of failing to condemn the Luton incident, which could have defused the situation instead of inflaming it.
Fightback, where is the evidence for your assertion that the EDL are against all muslims? They appear to be against Islamic extremists who have committed, and are planning further mass murder, in this country. That seems perfectly acceptable to me.
I'll repeat myself. They hold up placards that say "No more mosques", they dont mention which mosques, thereby implying ALL MOSQUES are centres for terrorism. Such generalisation implies anybody who uses a mosque is a terrorist. Vast majority of us aren't!
Not acceptable to law abiding muslims like me!!
The EDL are just starting to get noticed without funding,were as the UAF are scum paid for by the tax payer.Islamic extremists are already in-bedded in the UK,it`s about time people wake up and start to support the EDL.
Max Damage - I dont remeber saying the EDL are racist. Your saviour Griffin and the BNP have established that verbally attacking "muslims" is not racist, attacking "Asians" is. THats why the BNP have changed their verbal attacks. - keep up!!
Max...part 1- You dont want any more mosques!! what's it got to do with you? before you knee-jerk a response, Imagine this.
I read of an application to build a church in Saddleworth in the Chronicle.
I "comment" and say there are enough "we" dont need any more.
The applicants reply and say they are "Mormons" and no church in Saddleworth caters for them.
Max...part 2
You know I dont live in Saddleworth and am a Muslim, so you "comment" as only you can, by saying "Whats it got to do with you, its not affecting you and there is an identified need, this is a free country etc etc etc..."
So my question is why do you object in general to "no more mosques" Whats it got to do with you?
PeteJ - I have commented on why EDL is against all Muslims. Its not been put up yet. Probably what you call free speech!!!
I'll leave it till tommorrow and if its not up I'll write it again to make it "acceptable in a democratic free society"
Have Your Say
EDL spokeman said they are expecting "disturbance from islamic exteremists". The extermists aren't bothered with this group of "concerned" subjects.
The EDL are only interested in protesting against all muslims. Protest signs used by EDL such as "no more mosques" prove that, by implying all mosques are centres of islamic terrorists.
By fightback @ 07/10/2009 13:51:54