Violence broke out at the English Defense League’s anti-Islamic Extremist protest in England. Police arrested 90 when rival groups clashed in the streets of Birmingham. The English Defense League is a right-wing group opposed to Islamic Extremism in England.
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Police officers in full riot gear were called in to control the demonstration which quickly got out of hand when anti-fascist groups showed up to counter protest the English Defense League. The English Defense League claims to be an anti-racist group who are only concerned about British sovereignty. From the UK Daily Mail:
One protester from the league, Leisha Brookes, 42, said: ‘We are simply protesting about the fact that if people come to our country, they should respect our laws.
‘If an English person went to an Arab country they would be expected to dress appropriately, and all we are asking is for them to do the same.’
The Associated press is reporting that Police were rounding up groups of 20-30 men at a time, loading them on buses and subsequently arresting them.
The English Defense League says that their protests are never violent until the counter protesters show up and begin to taunt them and throw objects at them.
Reports say that 200-250 people were involved in the fighting, but it’s unclear how many belonged to the English Defense League or the pro-Islam groups. The English Defense League anti-Islamic protests have become a fairly common occurrence in Britain. Another is scheduled for next month in Manchester.
English Defense Protests Video
September 7th, 2009 at 2:50 am
england for the english fight for the right