English Defence League vs Palestine Demo

Peaceful London Freedom Protest Disrupted

The English Defence League staged a protest against a peaceful Pro-Palestine demonstration in London yesterday.

The yearly demonstration for Palestinian freedom drew over 3000 people and marched through the central London area. They were met by the EDL when the march reached its climax in Piccadilly Circus.

The EDL members chanted "We hate Muslims" and "Muslim bombers of our streets." Pro-Israel supporters also joined them in agitating the mass demonstration, waving Israel's flag in a moment of unusual nationalist solidarity.

Police, which also kept left-wing counter demonstrations against the EDL over 300 yards away, surrounded the heavily outnumbered right-wing group. Anti-fascist protester Mark Radcliff complained about the police separating protesters.

"The police tell us that they simply don't have the numbers to protect us from the EDL and that we can't confront them directly, yet they have given them all the protection they need. Its like they are pandering to them but denying us the right to protest against racist ideas."

EDL Protests in Birmingham & Luton

An unexpected series of anti-Islamic demonstrations have swept British cities in recent months, all of which have ended in violent clashes. Birmingham, north London and Luton were home to a series of incidents involving EDL members, anti-Fascist organizations and Black and Asian ethnic minorities.

Yesterday's Pro-Palestine demonstration provoked anger from the EDL claiming it to be "Hezbollah", "extreme" and "terrorist". One member of Unite Against Fascism said, "The English Defence League are not here for any particular reason other than to express their distaste for Muslims in general. The Palestinian movement is not here to promote terrorism, it is here to promote freedom".

EDL Anti-Islam, Nazi Slogans

The English Defence League claims to be a non-racist organization welcoming of all colours, as long as the desire to protest against Islam is shared, but at EDL events over the summer members have chanted racist slogans and raised Nazi salutes. One demonstration in May ended when dozens of members attacked Asian businesses, threatened local residents and smashed vehicles.

Despite the potential for severe disruption yesterday, all demonstrations passed peacefully. The EDL have at least 3 more protests planned this year, all of which are expected to be heavily policed.