Anti-fascists outnumber EDL at Sheffield demonstration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4AlzrD6Kv6Y

An English Defence League (EDL) demonstration in front of the city hall at 7pm today was met by a contingent of anti-fascists more than double their size.

At its largest the EDL numbered around 20, whereas the anti-fascists saw their numbers grow to at least 45 by 7:30pm, including students from the University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University and local FE colleges as well as members of Unite Against Fascism (UAF).

The counter-demonstration was organised by Secretary of Sheffield UAF Paul Scarrott after the group became aware of plans for EDL action outside the city hall.

EDL protesters chanted “E, E, EDL” next to the fountain on Division Street, while anti-fascist protesters responded with “Sheffield united, we’ll never be defeated” from beside the war memorial. After 30 minutes of demonstrating the EDL contingent had dispersed.

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EDL spreads lie that Muslims celebrated Woolwich murder

EDL Oldham Muslims lie

Fresh from spreading the inflammatory (and, needless to say, entirely false) rumour that a 7-year-old child had been gang-raped in the toilets of a Luton school, the English Defence League are now propagating the lie that Muslims in Oldham have taken to the streets to celebrate the killing of a British soldier in Woolwich.

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Masked English Defence League supporters flood Woolwich: Far-Right clash with police near scene of killing

EDL Woolwich

More than 100 supporters of the English Defence League tonight gathered at a train station near the scene of where a man was allegedly hacked to death by extremists and threw bottles at police.

Officers formed a cordon and the men left the immediate area after the brief incident. Some of the EDL supporters gathered at The Queen’s Arms pub locally, where they sang nationalistic songs.

The men had first gathered at Woolwich Arsenal station in Woolwich, south-east London. Riot police with shields stood guard outside for a short time, before moving back into their vans. The EDL group waved a flag of St George and chanted “no surrender to the Muslim scum”. Around 20 of the men wore black balaclavas with an EDL logo on the front.

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Braintree: Man arrested on suspicion of knife possession and attempted arson outside Islamic Centre

A 43-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of attempted arson after reportedly walking into a mosque with a knife in Braintree.

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark tweeted tonight: “Local mosque in Braintree attacked by man with knives and incendiary device. Man arrested. No one injured.” Mr Newmark added: “Just met with leaders of local mosque in Braintree which was attacked this evening. Thanked local police for their swift response.”

A spokesman for the Al Falah Braintree Islamic Centre on Silks Way confirmed there had been an arson attempt near the property.

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EDL to hold protest in Newcastle

Newcastle Against the EDLThe English Defence League is to hold a demonstration on the streets of the North-east at the weekend.

Although few details have yet been announced, the EDL confirmed it plans to hold a national protest in Newcastle on Saturday (May 25) over proposals to open an Islamic school in the city.

Newcastle City Council has approved a planning application for a new faith school to be opened at Bishop’s Palace in the Benwell area of the city, previously used as the set for the BBC children’s series Byker Grove.

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Another flop for the SDL

SDL protest Dumfries 2013 (2)The Scottish Defence League’s anti-mosque protest in Dumfries yesterday (which had been publicly repudiated by local people) attracted a small turnout – from photographic evidence, fewer than 30 people, though the SDL itself claimed “100 patriots” were in attendance. Despite the low numbers, it still resulted in four arrests.

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