Police 'to oppose' Scottish Defence League protest

Monday, 28 September 2009 12:15

The Sunday Herald yesterday reported that Strathclyde police will oppose a planned demonstration in November by the Scottish Defence League (the Scottish arm of the English Defence League) if the event is intended to stir up racial hatred.

The paper reports that ‘Strathclyde Police are ready to oppose any application for a rally that stirs up racial tensions.’

Anti-fascist groups believe the SDL is looking to hold a demonstration ‘near a mosque in Glasgow, or at a venue that is being lined up as a Muslim place of worship in Kilmarnock.’

Osama Saeed, chief executive of the Scottish Islamic Foundation, said: “We congratulate Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police for the stance that they’ve taken on the SDL."

“The likelihood is, though, that even if banned there will be an illegal protest. We have to be ready for that.

“Some sort of action against this protest is inevitable and necessary, though it is essential that it is peaceful.”

The EDL are planning a series of demonstrations around the UK including in Manchester and Newport. Local councils have been approached by Muslims, anti-fascist groups and other campaigners to deny permission for the EDL marches and seek Home Office permission to ban them outright.

The Home Office has stated that it cannot prohibit ‘static demonstrations’ but that local police forces “must take into consideration responsibilities such as public safety, public order, the prevention of crime and the protection of the rights of others to go about their lawful business. Violent activity and incitement to religious and racial hatred are totally unacceptable and the police have powers to deal robustly with any such activities."

Comments

Add New