This weekend saw the English Defence League pouring into Rochdale to protest against what they believe was underlying cultural issues which saw nine men convicted last month for grooming under-age girls for sex.

EDL visited last year too in March, voicing concern over the same issue. But this time it was different. The arguments were more refined and directed. It wasn't the usual rants that have been echoed by EDL members at national rallies: "extremist Islam is the problem", or "Muslims want Shariah law".

Outside Rochdale town centre, EDL leader, Tommy Robinson held the Quran and said, "This book legitimises the rape, prostitution and abuse of our daughters". Crowds cheered him on as he continued to deplore what he referred to as a "7th century text".

"The reason why these men rape these children, it could be because they're perverted criminals, but it could be they're following this manual. When will the police and politicians realise the link between this and them men raping our kids.... This is the link. Be brave enough to identify it", said Tommy Robinson.

In front of a packed crowd of around 200 people he said publicly "What is stopping me from burning it (the Quran)?" Protestors in the crowd began jeering, whilst some said "Let me burn it Tommy" offering lighters.

Asian Image, 13 June 2012

See also Majed's Blog, 11 June 2012

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Rochdale shop owners are preparing ahead of tomorrow's English Defence League march. The far-right movement will descend on the town at 1.30pm to demonstrate against what they see as an expansion of Muslim extremism.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk urged the town to continue as usual. He said: "Tomorrow's 'protest' is nothing more than an attempt to stir up racial tensions and incite violence. The police are fully prepared to deal with this and the protest will be outside of the town centre, which will be open for business as usual. I would urge everyone to continue to support local shops and businesses."

Local group Rochdale Unity, who will be holding a counter protest at the same time, accused EDL of exploiting the recent case of sexual exploitation of young women in Heywood, which saw nine Asian men handed prison sentences.

EDL splinter group Casuals United have issued a "fatwa" against any media who attend tomorrow's event without having been invited by EDL leaders, saying they will be treated as "hostile".

Mancunian Matters, 8 June 2012

See also NUJ statement, 8 June 2012

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Three people were arrested as far right-groups were accused by police of using diversionary tactics to promote their message. The British National Party organised simultaneous protests in Rochdale and Heywood, Greater Manchester, over a child sex grooming case.

Police said around 10 BNP supporters held a peaceful demonstration in Heywood town centre at around 5pm on Wednesday. But at the same time approximately 40 far-right protesters from groups including the Infidels of Britain and the National Front tried to force their way into a council function at Rochdale town hall. Police took "swift action" to stop the demonstrators from disrupting the gathering.

Two men were arrested for a breach of the peace and another for a racially-aggravated public order offence.

Press Association, 17 May 2012

Picture: Far right protest outside Rochdale town hall.

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