The Muslim News - 48 arrested in Manchester’s anti-Islam demo

Issue 246, Friday 30 October 2009 - 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1430

48 arrested in Manchester’s anti-Islam demo

By Elham Asaad Buaras

Forty eight men have been arrested after 2000 demonstrators took to the streets ahead of rival protests by the English Defence League (EDL) and Unite against Fascism (UAF) in Manchester. Most have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. Very few Muslims turned up at the demonstration.

Trouble flared as the EDL, which is opposed to what it calls ‘radical Islam’, were met by activists from UAF in Manchester city centre on October 10.

The groups were separated by a heavy riot police line in Piccadilly Gardens.

Police imposed a lockdown around the area where an estimated 2,000 protesters gathered.
The perimeter of Piccadilly Gardens was blockaded by Greater Manchester Police.
A small group of EDL protesters walked among the throng of shoppers chanting, “We love our country.”

Small-scale disruption took place on the streets of the city centre, causing riot officers wearing hard helmets and carrying batons to go running after suspects.

James Carter, 23, from Chorlton, Manchester, said, “I’m down here to stop the Nazis. I think the turnout on this side (UAF) symbolises the perception of Manchester and how we feel about racism.”

Prior to the demonstration police issued a stern message to troublemakers.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan told The Muslim News, “I would like to thank all those people who came to Manchester today and protested peacefully for their patience and understanding. I’d also like to commend the vast majority for demonstrating in a peaceful manner.

“However, the history of protest has been marred by those who came intent on violent confrontation. GMP has ensured that despite the significant size of the protest, life in the city went on as normal.”

EDL demonstrators planned to meet in Piccadilly Gardens at 5pm, with an address by a leading member, followed by a two-minute silence for soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The national anthem was also going to be sung.

The organisation denies it is racist and insists in a statement on its website that it is a “multi-ethnic, multi-faith organization”.

However, a spokesman for UAF told The Muslim News EDL’s denial of being Islamophobic was hollow when closely scrutinised. “If you actually look at their website the reality is they use the word jihadist for almost any Muslim, for almost anybody who actually speaks out about almost anything whatsoever is a jihadist.”