Showing posts with label march. Show all posts
Showing posts with label march. Show all posts

March ends as the Deadliest month of Syrian Crisis

on Thursday, April 11, 2013

Human rights violations, mass killings, destruction of infrastructure as well as heritage sites; Syria has seen all that the world’s most cruel and barbaric time would shy away from. Just for a background check; the Human Rights Watch has reported that the Assad regime has created an archipelago of torture centers spearheaded by the country’s intelligence agencies, followed by the armed forces. On the other hand, the opposition groups have been accused by the United Nations for brutal offences like torture, unlawful killings, kidnapping, rape and even the use of children in dangerous roles. All of the belligerents have turned out to be blood stained.

The civil war that started in March 2011 has constantly intensified, getting even more bloody and inhumane with every passing day. How unbelievable it is to see that an uprising that started with mere protests got so violent that the daily death toll has gone up to almost 150! Only in the last month of March 2013, the country saw more than 6000 deaths –a figure rarely met by any other man made tragedy. Perilously the figure includes 298 children and 291 women who lost their lives at the hands of something they possibly didn’t start, continue or want. The figures of rebels and government soldiers were averaging the same as each other with tolls between 1400 and 1500 for each side.

Regardless of the cause, a human life is a LIFE! Many of the dead would have been the whole world to somebody. The 6000 that died in March would have left tens of thousands of mourners in grief that would last a lifetime. An even more troublesome factor in all the mayhem is how the crisis is getting brutal day by day, for instance in the first nine whole months of the uprising, death tolls were far less than 6000. The Syrian Observatory of Human Rights representatives are of the opinion that:

“If there is no solution, we think that the numbers will get worse in the coming months.”

It has been reported that the hostilities have now spread to newer parts of the country like the province of Daraa –not that the previous clashes in the major cities of Aleppo, Damascus and Homs were not brutal enough. The United Nations has reported that the estimated total count of deaths since the initialization of Syrian Crisis has topped 70,000.

My point in all this is not just to report the figures, anybody would do that; my concern is not that of Assad’s regime or the opposition, it is about the innocent children and the helpless females of a country that falls under our responsibility when it comes to Islamic duties –and human rights above that. The ever increasing tension between two parties with their own agendas –regardless of who is right and who is wrong; has spread murder, rape, kidnapping and torture throughout Syria. My concern is the child who grows up under the constant fear of a bomb that could turn his home into ashes.

I demand an end to this; even if that means throwing out every one of the pugnacious leaders that are carrying on the war along with their allies. There is a time when humanity has to be the ultimate agenda that should outweigh the rest –for Syria, that time is now.



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23rd March – Lets’ Revive the Message of Dear Quaid

on Saturday, March 23, 2013

Quaid –e- Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, was a man of honor in every aspect of life – be it professional or private. It is his relentless struggle and hard work that helped Muslims of the subcontinent to realize the impossible dream of a separate independent homeland for themselves.

He addressed many people in his speeches, youth, women, businessmen, students and the general public. He asked them to be hardworking and diligent in whatever they do in life, and cling to the rules of unity, faith and discipline.

However, the question that burns the most is what Message did our Quaid really give us? What did he really want from us? Why did he give us this country of our own? What did he mean by Pakistan?

At one occasion, he said that Pakistan is not only equal to freedom and independence but also the Muslim Ideology and thoughts which is a precious gift that should be kept and protected by us and others.

Jinnah gave us a message of liberty in the form of a precious gift of Pakistan. He wanted to give us freedom from oppression; financial and cultural freedom; religious freedom; social freedom; but most important of all freedom of Ideology. Pakistan is the personification of freedom for Muslims.  Pakistan is freedom.

At another occasion, he said that we all should live and breathe freely in a state and develop based on own lights, culture, and principles of Islamic social justice.

Clearly he wanted our children to be free. Free to practice what we believe. But what is the cost of this? Everything comes at a price, and price of freedom is unity, discipline, hard work, determination and setting goals.

Time and again our Quaid stressed on the need to develop these characteristics and qualities. He himself was a very hard working man. So much so that even his health got affected because of the hard work that he did all these years and finally it took his life. He said that a nation can not be free without suffering.

At another place he said that hope, courage and confidence was his message to everyone. He also asked to mobilize all the available resources in a systematic, and organized way and tackle the grave issues that confront the nation.

Our Quaid wanted us to earn this freedom, not snatch it or beg for it, and then show ourselves to be worthy of it. He wanted us to pay its full price. There is another price that we have to pay before we fully deserve to breathe in this country as free men and that is responsibility. As Roosevelt said “With great freedom comes great responsibility”.

In Short, Quaid-e-Azam gave us the gift of freedom through this country but he encouraged us to make ourselves worthy of it, and that was the message of Quaid we need to fully revive this March 23rd.



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EDL to stage rally but not march through Cambridge

on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The English Defence League (EDL) will not be marching through Cambridge, but will be kept to one place in the city, police said.

The Cambridgeshire force is planning its strategy to deal with the demonstration by the right- wing group which has protested against the building of a new mosque off Mill Road.

But almost 700 protesters have signed up to march against the group under the banner of Cambridge Unite Against Fascism (CUAF). Muslim leaders and politicians have signed a list opposing the EDL's planned march on February 23.

Richard Rose, of CUAF, said: "I think it is a clear sign of the weakness of EDL that they are now having a static protest rather than a march.

"We are delighted they will not be marching through Cambridge and we want them to have their little gathering in an out-of-the-way place such as an out-of-town car park and not in the city centre which would cause disruption.

"We are also pleased with the amount of support we've had including from the three mosques in Cambridge and from more councillors. We want to send a clear message that the EDL is not wanted here and they have no support."

Cambridge News, 29 January 2013



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Brighton: call for unity against racist march

on Monday, January 28, 2013

Brighton Organisations and Leading Figures Launch Unity Statement Ahead of Far Right March

People of Brighton should show unity against a racist march according to leading local politicians, unions and other individuals and group who are supporting a Unity Statement, that is now online for members of the public to sign.

Supporters include Brighton Trades Council, the Brighton University branch of the UCU union, Brighton and Hove NUT,  University of Sussex Students Union, Brighton Unite Against Fascism, Brighton Love Music Hate Racism, and Sussex Labour Representation Committee. Individuals who are supporting it include Caroline Lucas MP, and ten Green and Labour members of the council; as well as Simon Burgess, the former Labour leader of the council, James Ledward, the editor of Gscene magazine and Itch, the lead singer of the band King Blues, who is a Brighton Resident.

The March for England march, organised by members and supporters of the racist organisation the English Defence League, has met growing opposition when it has attempted to parade through Brighton in the past few years. It has stated it will return in April 2013.

The march's opponents are now calling on residents of the city to add their support for the statement which concludes by saying: "In Brighton we all stand together. And when someone tries to threaten our community we must stand together even more firmly."

The full statement can be read at brightonuaf.org, where there is also a link to sign it.

Roland Ravenhill of Brighton Love Music Hate Racism said: "The diversity and unity of Brighton is something worth supporting, and racist marches do not sit well here. We encourage people to read and sign the statement."

Full statement and list of supporters:

Brighton is a brilliant and vibrant city where many people of different cultures, backgrounds, abilities and faiths come together. It has a positive and unique character which its residents enjoy and embrace. Brighton people live here in the knowledge that they will be valued and that the things which make each individual different are celebrated here - not despised. We take great pleasure and pride in being surrounded by humanity in all its exciting diversity.

Because of this it is very saddening to discover that the far right group March for England, which is a division of the violent and racist organisation the English Defence League, is to march in Brighton (in April 2013).

When groups like this come to Brighton it is because our multicultural city in all its diversity proves that their own doctrine of hate is wrong, and they want to damage our unity. That is why we stand together: black, white and Asian; people of all faiths and of no faith; trade unionists; people of different political persuasions; University, school and college students; people of all abilities; whatever our sexuality.

In Brighton we all stand together. And when someone tries to threaten our community we must stand together even more firmly.

Supported by:

Brighton Trades Council 
Brighton and Hove Unite Against Fascism 
UCU – Brighton University
Brighton and Hove NUT.
University of Sussex Students Union 
Sussex Labour Representation Committee. 
Brighton Love Music Hate Racism
Caroline Lucas, Green MP Brighton Pavillion
Itch – King Blues 
James Ledward – editor Gscene
Jason Kitkat, Green Party Councillor, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council 
Ollie Sykes, Green Party Councillor, Brunswick and Adelaide Ward 
Les Hamilton, Labour & Co-operative Councillor, South Portslade 
Liz Wakefield, Green Party Councillor, Hanover & Elm Grove 
Pete West, Green City Councillor for St Peter's & North Laine Ward 
Warren Morgan, Labour & Co-operative Councillor for East Brighton 
Phélim Mac Cafferty, Green Party Councillor for Brunswick and Adelaide 
Alexandra Phillips, Green Councillor for Goldsmid ward, Hove
Rob Jarrett, Green Party Councillor for Goldsmid ward
Ian Davey, Green Party councillor for St Peter's & North Laine ward
Simon Burgess, Labour, former leader, Brighton and Hove council.



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Man sentenced for throwing missiles on EDL march in Bristol

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A businessman who hurled missiles as he marched through Bristol with the English Defence League handed himself into the authorities when he realised he was a wanted man.

Barry Johnson was one of hundreds of marchers who took part in the high-profile demonstration through the city centre in July last year.

Bristol Crown Court heard how he was caught on film by a cameraman and images were later posted online by Avon and Somerset police in a bid to track him down. When he saw the images Johnson travelled from his home in Peterborough to admit his involvement in the incident.

The 29-year-old from Poplar Avenue, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to affray when he appeared in court.

Judge Martin Picton told him: "Throwing missiles is clearly dangerous. Someone could have been hurt."

The judge handed Johnson a three-month prison sentence which was suspended for a year. He also fined him £250 and ordered him to pay £85 towards court costs.

Richard Posner, prosecuting, said: "On July 14 in Bristol there was a demonstration and march by the English Defence League in the centre of Bristol.

"The group was formed in 2009 and it claims to oppose Islamic extremism. It chose to assemble in Bristol and march. That led to tension with United Against Fascism, and there was anticipated to be tension between the two groups." He added: "Police went to the city centre to quell disorder."

Mr Posner told the court that police filmed Johnson in the thick of the crowd, throwing two missiles in the direction of the UAF supporters with no apparent provocation.

He said it was impossible to say if anyone was struck and there was no other violence taking place at the time of the incident.

The judge was shown the police footage which captured the offence. Johnson was in the middle of a crowd of jostling and gesticulating EDL marchers.

Mr Posner said: "There was an intention to identify people and the defendant was identified in that way. He handed himself in. He had seen himself on the Avon and Somerset police website, which asked Do you know who these people are?"

When Johnson handed himself in police interviewed him but he made no comment about the incident.

His criminal record revealed he had previous convictions for football-related violent disorder.

Johnson represented himself in court but, other than handing the judge a letter, said nothing in his defence. The judge confirmed he had read a pre-sentence report from the probation service which revealed Johnson ran his own business with his brother.

Bristol Post, 28 January 2013



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Opposition mobilises as EDL march announced in Cambridge

on Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The English Defence League (EDL), an extremist far-right pressure group, has announced that they are planning a march in Cambridge. The anti-Islamic group will gather on the 23rd February, following their controversial march in July 2011.

In response, the Cambridge branch of Unite Against Fascism (CUAF), a national anti-fascist campaigning organisation, has called for a "massive" counter march. PhD student Owen Holland, whose previous political history saw him suspended for one term by the University after interrupting a talk by Universities Minister David Willets, has come out in support of the UAF's counter-demonstration. "When the English Defence League tried to march in Cambridge in July 2011, they were vastly outnumbered." He calls for "the people of Cambridge" to "come together to show that racist ideas and organisations do not have coherent solutions to resolve the present crisis".

His pledge of support has been echoed by other political figures in and around Cambridge. Richard Howitt MEP called for "all the decent people of Cambridge to attend this counter demonstration to show their opposition to racism". Richard Rose, the coordinator of UAF in Cambridge, explained "the racists seek only to spread hatred, scapegoating and division; whatever problems people face in their lives, the EDL will only make them worse".

Academics and activists have also organized an anti-fascist teach-in on Sunday the 17th of February in King's College. Dr. Martin Ruehl, a Fellow at Trinity Hall who specializes in fascist ideology, will speak at the event along with other UAF activists. This comes as academic interest in the study of far right ideology grows; the University of Newcastle has recently established a new centre "for the study of the far-right".

The 2011 EDL march in Cambridge provoked much controversy and overt policing, largely due to the group’s radical stance on Islam. Stephen Lennon, a leading member of the EDL, in a recent interview with Jeremy Paxman, explained that the EDL exist to prevent the spread of Islamism across Britain. He said: "there are one-hundred sharia law courts operating in this country...sharia law is incompatible with western democracy." When asked if the EDL would allow a Muslim to join their group Lennon responded, "of course they could".

Yet in discussing the problems of gang culture, drug chains and "pimping", Lennon argued that "it's an Islamic problem … none of the other communities are spreading it … are we going to pretend that Muslim groups are not out there purposely trying to target our youth and pimping 'em?". Lennon has now been jailed for trying to enter the United States on a false passport.

Fred Cotterill, a Cambridge undergraduate planning to take part on the march, said: "The EDL march has no place in Cambridge." Fred added that "Patriotism is not something to be ashamed of – I am proud to be British – and it should be reclaimed from the racists as it was during the Olympics".

Varsity, 23 January 2013



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Tahirul Qadri’s Long March, January 14

on Monday, January 14, 2013

Chief of Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran Tahirul Qadri  began his journey to finally hit the metropolis of Pakistan, Islamabad. He, along with thousands of supporters, are all high spirited to sweep the current government off their feet and bring on a revolutionary change. Chief of Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran, Tahirul Qadri  promises his supporters that he’ll ensure a true democratic government in Pakistan that will be free from the evils of greediness and looters.

The chief of Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran Tahirul Qadri started his long march with a five hour delay from the Zohar Namaz (afternoon prayer) and already jolted the governmental structure in the country.

Talking to media persons just before the launch of the long march, Tahirul Qadri said: “This is a march for democracy…against looters and plunderers ruling in Islamabad and Lahore. This is a march against evil forces. This is a march against elements exploiting poor people…against oppressors…God willing, wiping out everyone who is corrupt and persecutes the weak and poor.” (brecorder, 13)

Chief of Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran, Tahirul Qadri also expressed his fundamentals over his blogging site and ensured that no hurdle can stop the high spirited long march that will head towards the capital city of Islamabad. He also expressed sheer disappointment at the PML-N government that it took away all the vehicles which were to be used in the long march. He also added that cities in southern and central Punjab have been blocked in order to create troubles for the long march

Briefing to the press about PML-N government, Qadri lashed out greatly telling them that Sharif brothers,  “are worse than Yazeed…they have outdone cruelties perpetrated by Yazeed.” “This is a march to topple Yazeedi Empire, it is a march for the mourners in Quetta (who are protesting) with over a hundred bodies,” Qadri said.  (brecorder, 13)

Tahirul Qadri demanded the suspension of the Balochistan government which failed to protect the rights of its citizens. Hundreds were killed in a recent attack on the Shia community and the government hasn’t paid any heed to the matter. Qadri requested the federal government to take serious action against the brutal killing of our own people. The sectarian violence is gearing up extensively and if no serious measures are taken than whole Pakistan will be its victim.

Qadri said that police in Multan, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and other cities and towns were not allowing people to join the march, but “the long march will take place even if we have to travel on foot or motorcycles”. Chief of Tehrik-e-Minhajul Quran Tahirul Qadr said that police have already snatched around 20 of his personal vehicles. He believes that the Punjab government is all behind these actions as they can see their falling Empire.

The Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran leader revealed to the media that the federal government is also trying its utmost to halt the long march that is designed to change the fate of Pakistan. He said that to halt the march, tankers are putting objects in their way, “filled with acid and gas.” They are also digging ditches, “filled with explosives”.

The Tehreek-e-Minhajul Quran leader, along with his supporters, are still headed to their destination despite enormous governmental hurdles.



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Million Man March Around Pakistani Capital

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The religious man of Pakistan by the name of Thair ul Qadri has started his Million Man March on Islamabad this Sunday. He has returned to Pakistan after around eight years of exile in Canada. There are many people that are quite skeptical about his Qadri’s intentions because he says that he wants change. He has spent millions on his advertising getting support for his part. He says that terrorism and violence cannot be permitted in Islam.

Tahir ul Qadri has been busy promoting his agenda from Canada and even speaking out to the public through his videos and books. Now he is back in the spotlight in Pakistan and is ready to take action. He is telling the caretaker administration to replace the government and carry out fare elections this time around. The government has responded to the actions of Tahir ul Qadri by saying that nothing is going to stand in the way and there are going to be timely and fair elections.

Tahir ul Qadri says that he is doing his upmost best to ensure that there is a corruption free electoral process that takes places. Qadri has said that if the election reform demands are not met by Thursday then he will stage a Million Man March to the capital with thousands of supporters following him. Malik says that he will not allow the rallies to enter downtown Islamabad because they pose a security risk and will disrupt business in the city. Mr. Rehman Malik has said that he will hold Qadri responsible if any violence or murders occur in the country.

Malik has announced that Pakistani Taliban is planning attacks on the Million Man March and still Mr. Qadri is spending a lot on television urging others to join him. Despite a lot of criticism from the government Qadri is quite intent on marching to the capital despite all the risks. It has been expected that there are going to be around one to two million individuals that are going to join in on the march. They are planning on removing the barricades that are going to be put up by the government and will be in the city until all their demands are met. There are numerous supporters that say that Qadri is doing this for the benefit of the country and is trying to make a positive change.



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Pakistan Super League Starting From 23rd March

on Friday, January 11, 2013

Cricket was once known as the game of the gentlemen but with the passage of time it became a game of entertainment. IPL (Indian Premier League) has played a major role in tarnishing the role of cricket because since the start of IPL cricket has become a game of money and limelight. Now everyone tries his best to come under the limelight because it is something which brings you money and fame from across the world. However, IPL has not only tarnished the image of cricket by making player money greedy but it has also dented a pretty good image of this game since many match fixing issues have appeared on the scenes.

Looking at the popularity of the IPL, Bangladesh Cricket board has come up with its very own cricket league BPL (Bangladesh Premier League). Though it is not as popular as IPL but still it has the charm to attract the cricket lovers. Lately, Sri Lanka also organized a cricket league which according to most of the people was a huge fail and according to some reports players have not received the complete league fees yet.

One thing has to be mention here that it was Pakistan who firstly came up with the idea of such leagues but due to some problems Pakistan could not organize a cricket league. And then came IPL, Pakistan players participated in the very first addition of IPL and outshone the players from rest of the world. The relationship of the two neighbors Pakistan and India got tensed and Pakistani players were snubbed and were not included in the other seasons of IPL.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Board did not lose the hope and kept the hard work going on and finally then have come up with Pakistan Super League. The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled the PSL on Thursday with the hope of making a new history in the cricket world by starting “a league of standard” unlike many others. This league was launched on Thursday in Lahore where the captains of Pakistan men and women teams along with other board official were present. This league will kick start from the 23rd March with an opening ceremony followed by the matches.

The pattern of this league is quite similar to top notch football leagues where each team will be playing with another team twice in the tournament. According to the Chairman of Cricket board, only five teams will be the part of the first three editions of PSL. Each team will be based on five local players and six International players. This will prove to be a great learning experience for the local youngsters as they will be playing in the midst of the top International players.

“Today is a very important day for Pakistan cricket,” Lorgat, who was present at the ceremony, said. “PSL will help revive international cricket in Pakistan.” To be honest it would too early to say something about this league. So, we should wait for the 23rd March because it is when this league will start.



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Tahir ul Qadri ka long march ka ilaan

on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Tehreek Minhaj Ul Quran nay Long March kay Schedule ka ilaan kar dia hai kis kay tehet March ka aghaz 13 January ko Lahore say huga. Tahreek Minhaj ul Quran k tarjuman kay mutabiq Dr. Tahir ul Qadri Model town se subah 9 bajay long march ki qiyadat kartay huway Islamabad ki liye niklain gay. Jahan MQM aur tajeer baradeeran bhi en kay sath shamil hungay. Tahir ul qadri kaflay ki surat mai Islamabad ki janab long march karain gay. Mukhtelif muqamat per qayam kartay huway who 14 January ko Islamabad pohanchain gay.

Dr Tahir Ul Qadri nay 23 December ko Lahore mai jalsa e aam kay doran long marhc ka ilaan kiya tha. Jis ki himayat MQM nay bhi ki the. March mai MQM bhi bharpoor andaz mai shirkat kar rahi hai. Es silsalay mai Islamabad k intezamia nay 5din kabal raston ko seal karna suroh kr  diya hai.

Lahore mai tahreek Minhajul Quran k sar parasat Tahir ul Qadri nay kaha hai kay tabdeeli pechay reh gai hai aura b inqelaab aa kar rahy ga. Unka kehna hai k masnoye jabirana jamhoriyat mai jamhor ki koi jagah nai hai corruption per jamhorian ka title hai,mulk main a aein hain aur na he qanoon ki hukamrani hai. Pakistani khudmukhtari khatary mai hai. Pur aman jamhori long march mai rokawatain na dali jain. Werna 20 lakh ka march Islamabad aur 20lakh ka march Lahore ki janib chal paray ga. Election say phele taraqiyati mansobon kay naam par arkaan e parliament ko arbon rupay k funds jari karna dhandli hai.

In khayalat ka izhar unho ny markazi sectriot Lahore mai ulma o mash’aq ,mazdooron ,kisano, woqla aur samajhi tanzeemon kay markazi uhdaydaron say khitab kartay huway kiya. Jinho ny 14january kay long march ko hamayat aur shamuliat ka ilaan kia. Khalid mehmood khokhar Pakistan kisan itehad, peer syed riaz tehreek e tahafuz Pakistan ,ghulam Mustafa awami justice party , syed ali raza tehreek ishtekaam Pakistan, mumtaz hussian niazi Pakistan ghurba party, rana raes ahmed khan itehaad moment Pakistan, mian abdul qayum liberal qoumi movement aur buhat si tehreekon k sar puraastu ney apny sathion k sath long march mai shamil honay ka ilaan kia hai.

Es moqa per Dr. Tahir ul qadri nay kaha k syaisi partio kay workers umer bhar apnay quadien kay jalson par naray daltay hain lakin kabhi kisi ghareeb kabil ba kirdar aur sahib e ilm worker ko election ka ticket nai dia jata. Balkay party qayadat election ticket apny ulad aur rishtedaron ko detay hain. Uno ny kaha hai k 14 january k long march mai tehreek Minhaj ul Quran kay ilawa degaar parties k workers bhi apny haqooq kay liye shamil hun gay, unho ny kaha kay Pakistan mai es waqt zalimana nizam kay tehat kisi tabqay ko bhi eskay bunyadi haqooq mayasar nahi hain har tabqa apnay haqooq kay liye sarkon par sarapa ihtajaj hai.



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EDL planning another march in Cambridge

on Saturday, December 15, 2012

The English Defence League (EDL) is planning another march in Cambridge, according to campaigners. A "massive" counter demonstration has already been planned by Cambridge Unite Against Fascism (CUAF).

More than 670 officers policed an EDL march in the city in July, 2011.

Richard Rose, of CUAF, said: "Our head office has information that has been confirmed by the EDL that they will march in Cambridge on February 23. We have organised a counter demo opposing the EDL and what it stands for."

Richard Howitt MEP has released a rallying call to Cambridge residents to join the counter demonstration. He said: "I urge all the decent people of Cambridge to attend this counter demonstration to show their opposition to racism."

Tom Woodcock, secretary of Cambridge Trades Council, said: "The painful austerity measures that working people are facing are not caused by immigrants or by Muslims but by the government and their friends in big business and the banks."

Cllr Jeremy Benstead, who represents Coleridge on the city council, said: "18 months ago we showed the EDL that they are not welcome here – let's do it again."

Cambridge News, 14 December 2012



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EDL's planned march in Slough condemned

on Friday, December 14, 2012

Far-right group the English Defence League (EDL) is planning a demonstration in Slough early in the New Year. A website, aiming to expose and counter the EDL, says the group is planning four marches – in Slough, Cambridge, Manchester and Newcastle. The anonymous website founder claims the information was leaked to him by an EDL member.

News of the group's plans have been met with condemnation across the community. Mohammed Ayub, former president of the Pakistan Welfare Association and chaplain for Muslims at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough, believes any extremist or racist group should be banned from having a public platform.

He said: "The EDL is based on hatred and the spreading of hate, Muslim-bashing and Asian-bashing. Any organisation with this kind of message is not an organisation as far as I'm concerned." He added: "There used to be terrible racial problems in Slough and because of tireless work and dialogue between all sides of the community, they no longer exist."

James Farmer, former chairman of the Manor Park Community Forum, wants the EDL banned from Slough and said: "Wherever they march, there is always trouble."

Wayne Strutton, Conservative deputy leader for Slough Borough Council, wants more power to stop groups like the EDL holding large demonstrations.

He said: "I'm disappointed that we're getting a extremist organisation march in Slough. However, we have to respect people's freedom of expression and I hope they make their protest peacefully. If they break the law, the police will arrest them."

He added: "I wish they weren't coming to Slough, but until we have more power to stop these people, we have to respect their rights."

Slough Observer, 11 December 2012



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Norwich man pleads guilty to threatening behaviour during EDL march

on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A man who was arrested during an English Defence League march in Norwich and charged with using threatening words or behaviour has been fined.

Matthew Berryman, 28, of Astell Road, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to the offence on November 10. He was ordered to pay a £150 fine, a £20 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

Norwich Evening News, 27 November 2012



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EDL and counter demonstrators will both march on Norwich's city hall

on Thursday, November 1, 2012

The English Defence League (EDL) will gather at Castle Gardens while counter protesters, a group called We are Norwich, will march from Chapelfield Gardens.

The EDL, whose protests are frequently marred with violence, are demonstrating in Norwich to protest at the city council's decision to ban a preacher from a stall on Hay Hill for publishing "hate-motivated" leaflets.

Police promised a "substantial" operation to keep order in the city.

Norwich Evening News, 1 November 2012

See also "We are Norwich meeting tells EDL they are not welcome", Unite Against Fascism news report, 1 November 2012



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Walthamstow: Anti-EDL campaigners defy march ban

on Sunday, October 28, 2012

Campaigners against the far-right English Defence League (EDL) defied a protest ban by marching through Walthamstow after scuffles with police this afternoon.

Officers struggled to contain a crowd of several hundred who broke away from a legal static protest outside the former EMD cinema in Hoe Street at around 1.30pm. Protesters pushed through a cordon and marched several hundred metres down to the junction with Selborne Road, where police reinforcements eventually stopped them.

The static protest began at 11am and was organised by umbrella group We Are Waltham Forest (WAWF) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) to celebrate their "defeat" of the EDL in the borough.

The EDL, which claims to be a movement opposed to Islamic extremism but which critics say is racist, had wanted to march through Walthamstow today (Saturday October 27). But earlier this week the government issued a ban on all marches in the borough for 30 days following police intelligence there could be violence and disruption. The Met also imposed special "conditions" on the EDL which meant its supporters could only hold a static demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament.

The Guardian witnessed two youths being led from the town centre by police at 10.30am but there was otherwise no visible presence of any possible EDL supporters in Walthamstow.

Estimates over the number of people who attended the static anti-EDL rally vary from 200 to 1,000. A series of figures, including union representatives and WAWF campaigners, held speeches from a lorry before the crowd was told to "walk orderly" back to Walthamstow Central by organisers just after 1pm.

But defiant sections of the crowd chanted "let us march" and pushed past police who were outnumbered. The Guardian did not witness anyone being arrested or injured. Some protesters and police officers pushed each other but this newspaper did not see any serious violence.

Meanwhile a council-organised funday on the adjacent Arcade Site and town square designed to celebrate the borough's diversity was largely unaffected by the protest. Fairground rides on the Arcade Site did not open at 11am as advertised and attendance was initially low, although later in the day dozens of families and children came to enjoy the activities.

However speakers at the anti-EDL rally criticised the event, including Walthamstow vicar Stephen Saxby, who described it as a "farce". He said: "There are table tennis tables there - how is that celebrating the multiculturalism of this borough?" Rev Saxby also criticised the ban on all marches in the borough, calling it a "disgraceful attack on local democracy".

His views were echoed by other speakers such as Jo Cardwell of WAWF. She told the crowd: "The only reason why they [the police] applied for a ban today is not because they suddenly realised that the EDL is fascist, but because they knew there would be at least 7,000 people on the streets of Walthamstow against the EDL."

She added: "Walthamstow has broken the back of the EDL. We've built the coffin that they've climbed into".

Waltham Forest Guardian, 27 October 2012



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Norwich churches speak out against EDL march

on Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Leaders of all the main Christian denominations in Norwich have spoken out against a march by the English Defence League in Norwich organized because a city church has been barred by Norwich City Council for anti-Islam material. Church leaders from the Church of England, Roman Catholic, Methodist and Baptist churches, Salvation Army, United Reformed Church and the Quakers have united to issue a joint statement against the march.

The statement reads: "The intention of the English Defence League to mount a demonstration in Norwich is entirely unwelcome. Norwich has a long history of welcoming strangers, often in considerable numbers. The integration of so many different groups into the life of this fine city is what gives Norwich such richness in its life today. This is a cause for celebration, and we must not allow this honourable tradition to be broken."

Leaders signing the statement were: Fr David Bagstaff, Diocesan Administrator, Diocese of East Anglia (Roman Catholic); Major David Jackson, Divisional Commander of the Eastern Region, Salvation Army; The Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich (Church of England); The Revd Richard Lewis, Regional Minister of the Eastern Baptist Association; John Myhill, on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers); The Very Revd Graham Smith, Dean of Norwich (Church of England); The Revd Graham Thompson, Chair of the East Anglian District of the Methodist Church; Fr James Walsh, Dean of the Cathedral Church of John the Baptist (Roman Catholic) and The Revd Paul Whittle, Moderator of the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church.

The English Defence League is planning its first ever march through Norwich on Saturday 10 November and whilst no route is yet planned, EDL organisers have told Norfolk police of their intention.

The EDL say that the march is to show support for Norwich Reformed Church which was banned from its bookstall site on Hay Hill and from using Norwich City Council premises for its main Sunday services after its leader, Rev Alan Clifford, promoted his own leaflets against Islam on the bookstall. The EDL say their march is to protest against the Council's action and everyone else's freedom of speech.

In a statement, Rev Clifford denied having any links to the group. He said: "I have no connection with either the EDL or BNP even though they rightly endorse my Christian criticisms of Islam. My objections to Islam are ideological not racial. Indeed, I have more affinity with Asian Christians than English atheists. I am opposed to both 'Left' and 'Right' political extremism and my stand on the Islamic threat is faith-inspired."



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Rotherham: police reject ban on EDL march

on Friday, October 12, 2012

Police have defended their decision not to ban two opposing groups staging marches through Rotherham town centre on Saturday – sparking fears there could be clashes.

The English Defence League and Unite Against Fascism are both set to stage rallies at the same time, with both expected to bring more than 200 supporters.

The EDL organised its march first in response to the publication of confidential police and council reports on gangs of Asian men grooming young girls for in the town for sex. The reports highlighted abuse spanning a decade and revealed a lack of police staff to deal with the issue and publicly acknowledge the seriousness of the problem.

Demonstrators plan to meet at the County Borough at 11.30am and start marching from 12.30pm, taking a route along Corporation Street and Ship Hill before gathering outside Rotherham Town Hall for a number of public speeches. The group has agreed to clear the area by 1.30pm.

United Against Fascism, is expecting 250 supporters to attend its event in All Saints' Square between 11am and 4pm. Supporters plan to march to the Town Hall after the EDL members have left the area. Their march will take them along Church Street – the Minster side of Minster Gardens – and directly up Moorgate Street.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: "People have asked why can't we ban the march. In a democratic society, people have the right to legal and peaceful protest. Any attempt to ban a march such as that proposed this weekend would involve invoking the Public Order Act and an application, via the local authority, to the Home Secretary, demonstrating a real prospect of serious disruption and disorder that could be dealt with by no other means.

"We do not believe this to be the case here. Based on the information available and liaison with the event organisations, South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council have put in place a plan that deals with all contingencies. Both South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Council are working with local businesses and communities to provide as much information as possible about the events.

"Both organisations will be deploying additional staff to the town centre on Saturday and whilst respecting people's right to protest peacefully, appropriate action will be taken to deal with any disorder."

The Star, 12 October 2012

See also "Rotherham prepares to oppose the racist English Defence League", Socialist Worker, 12 October 2012



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Walthamstow: Police will not apply for EDL march ban

on Wednesday, October 10, 2012

English Defence League thugs marching through Walthamstow on 1 SeptemberWaltham Forest Police has said it will not apply for a ban stopping the far-right English Defence League (EDL) from marching through Walthamstow.

The extremist group is planning a demonstration on Saturday October 27 after its previous march in Walthamstow back in September ended in disarray. The EDL, which claims to be opposed to Islamic extremism but which critics say is racist, attempted to hold a rally but most of its 300 supporters were blocked from getting there by thousands of counter-protesters. There were also missiles thrown from both sides and 20 people were arrested.

Last month Waltham Forest Council launched a campaign, supported by the Waltham Forest Guardian, urging the government to ban the second march from going ahead. But in a statement police said they could not back it because the EDL had a legal right to protest and there was no intelligence to suggest a march would cause serious violence or disruption to the community.

Jo Cardwell, from the We Are Waltham Forest group, urged residents to take part in a counter-protest on October 27 instead. She said: "I don't believe bans work. The law only prevents the EDL from marching. They will still be able to come to Walthamstow and hold a static protest. It's very clear that it was 4,000 on the streets that stopped them last time and we'll have to do it again."

Fellow spokeswoman Sophie Bolt added that the EDL should not return because the protest was during the holy Muslim festival of Eid.

A police spokeswoman said: "An application [to the government] can only be made where police believe that the protest going ahead would cause serious violence, disorder, damage or disruption to the life of the community that is beyond the control of the police. We do not believe that the criteria applies in this circumstance."

But police have announced on their Twitter page that they could stop the EDL from showing the controversial film 'The Innocence of Muslims' – which sparked riots across the world – during the Walthamstow march.

Campaigners have circulated an image from the EDL's Facebook page which appears to show its intention to broadcast the film, although the post has since been deleted.

Police told the Guardian: "We have no confirmation that a video or film will be shown by the EDL, however if one is shown and is likely to be offensive or cause alarm and distress we have powers under Section 4 of the Public Order act to prevent it."

The EDL has not yet responded to the Guardian's requests for a comment.

Walthamstow Guardian, 10 October 2012



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Trade Unions, politicians and activists pledge to oppose English Defence League march in Norwich

on Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A coalition of faith groups, trade unions and community organisations vowed today to do all it could to oppose a planned march by the English Defence League (EDL). The group, called We are Norwich, said it would do "all in its power" to peacefully oppose the EDL demonstration.

The EDL is organising a march through Norwich on November 10, to protest at the city council banning the Norwich Reformed Church from a stall in the city centre. Reverend Alan Clifford, who said he had no links to the right-wing group, was barred from the stall for publishing leaflets deemed to be anti-Islamic.

We are Norwich secretary Nick O’Brien said: "The EDL has held countless demonstrations across the country where they have rampaged through towns."

The anti-fascist group will hold a counter-demonstration on November 10, if the EDL march goes ahead, and a public meeting on Wednesday October 24 at 7.30pm in the Vauxhall Centre.

Members include trade unions, Norwich Green Party, Chapelfield Mosque, Ian Gibson, The Norwich Pride Collective, and Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Norwich South, Clive Lewis.

Norwich Evening News, 9 October 2012



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WAZIRISTAN AMAN MARCH

on Sunday, October 7, 2012

A country which is suffering from collateral damage, economic instability, War on terror, inflation, terrorism, international pressure and killings of her own civilians daily by drone attacks is Pakistan. War on terror is something which is not paying off, as it continues to kill innocent and blameless people, destroy public and private properties, make people suffer and moreover it is making things worse. Drone Attacks are done by the American Army and are meant to kill suspected people. Firstly, it is strictly against the sovereignty of any country and it is the violation of human rights. No one holds the authority to kill suspected people. Human rights and their observance is emphasized internationally, so does it justify the killings of women and innocent children in drone attacks? People of Waziristan and adjacent areas are suffering from psychological pressure and atrocities upon their family members daily. It is inhumane and we should condemn it by raising our voices against it on all the international platforms. Waziristan Aman March is a step taken against this brutality and an initiative towards peace and serenity.

Imran khan, the leader of this move, regards it as an Aman March. Thousands of local people and volunteers, along with many Americans and international journalists are taking part in this Aman march. The idea is to show the world what actually is happening in those areas and how people are suffering from these deadly and noxious drone attacks. This march will also give hope to the local inhabitants that voices are being raised about their plight so Aman march towards Waziristan is definitely commendable. Our government has no significant role in taking any stern actions against it and that is why things are getting worse. People from other countries have come up to show solidarity to all those affectees and we should also join Imran khan in this march to register our protest against the drone attacks. The march is being conducted to enlighten the people on what actually is happening there and what are the circumstances. Journalists from all over the world will come and interact with those people to find the concrete and tangible facts.

Some people are aligned with this march while some regard it as a publicity stunt. I, as an individual just want to say that we should leave personal differences behind and help the world know about the true facts. This is a creditable act and we should join hands in order to register a strong protest against these drone attacks. People and media would definitely pressurize the USAofficials to stop these drone attacks. We can resolve a lot of issues with peaceful dialogues and constructive debates. They should stop targeting innocent people and their homeland just because of a few despicable people. There should be a complete change of plan and strategy to minimize the killings.


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shoaibali

My name is Shoaib Ali and I am a professional article and content writer. I am currently doing my engineering and working on freelance as well. Writing is my passion and exploring new horizons in the field of writing is my aim.



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