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Violence fears over 9/11 anti-Islam protest outside mosque
Peter Dominiczak8 Sep 2009
ANTI-Islam demonstrators are planning to protest outside one of the capital's biggest mosques on the anniversary of 9/11.
Large numbers of anti-fascists also intend to show solidarity with Muslims at the site of the new Harrow central mosque on Friday, raising fears of violence.
The protest comes after riots in Birmingham last weekend during an anti-Islamic rally by the English Defence League (EDL).
There were dozens of arrests after the clashes between members of the EDL and Muslim activists.
The EDL is affiliated to Casuals United, former football hooligans who want to “fight Jihadists in the community”.
The EDL has publicised Friday's protest, organised by a group called Stop Islamification of Europe (SIOE), on its Facebook page but has said it is not sponsoring the Harrow rally,
SIOE, which claims that “Islamophobia is the height of commonsense” said it is planning a peaceful protest.
Fears of violent clashes were raised, however, when Unite Against Fascism announced that large numbers of its demonstrators would also attend the protest.
Weyman Bennett, UAF's joint national secretary, said: “These self-confessed hooligans will attack people, I'm absolutely convinced about that.
“What will happen then? There will be a response. They know exactly what people will do, and they want a picture of people charging out of a mosque.”
Although the new building is not yet being used, hundreds of Muslims will be praying next door on the site of the existing mosque.
The protest is being held during Ramadan and a large number of worshippers are expected.
Ghulam Rabbani, the general secretary of the mosque, said: “We don't know why they are singling us out. They say we are planning a Sharia court but we have never had such a plan.
“This community is mixed with Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Jews. We have had very good relations for 25 years.”
Tommy Robinson, an EDL organiser, said that the group had yet to decide whether to join the SIOE for the event.
He said: “Our issue is with the mosque. It is near enough the size of Wembley. Five floors. That's not good for community cohesion.”
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “The borough has been working closely with the mosque and other faith communities to ensure their concerns are taken into account in the planning of the policing response.
“We will attempt to work with the organisers of all protests to provide a proportionate and appropriate response, to ensure the safety of both local people and the protesters.”
Reader views (19)
all people have the right to thier opinion muslim or not without fearing violence
- Mk, london, 29/09/2009 10:47
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Firstly, for those of you who have commented on a mosque being a place where evil things are taught, for someone who im guessing is a british citizen and could have most probably been brought up in the UK their whole life, its quite saddening to hear you say that. You would think that people born and bred in the uk would have an open mind, take people for who they are when they meet them, without any silly, disillusioned and narrow minded pre-conceptions. Unfortunately, thats clearly not the case. I actually feel proud of myself, for being a BRITISH asian MUSLIM girl, who was born and bred here and feel as thought i could go in to any holy place of worship whether it be a church, synagogue or temple without degrading it. Its all about respect. Sure you have heard bad things about Muslims, but why tar each and every one with the same brush? Surely, every one is known to be a unique individual and should be taken for their own merits. Its utter stupidity, to listen to our idiotic one sided media and believe them without knowing the facts. All i can say is thank God, not all non muslims are like you, because if that was the case, than 40% of my friends would not be white/black non muslims. These white people are exactly the type of people we need, not those of you who are quick to judge and pounce on others you conisder to be below you. At the end of the day, there will be a riot, one group of hooligans, and the other those who have to defend their PEACEFUL place of worship.
- S, harrow, 29/09/2009 09:47
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Why is it that when ever anyone demonstrates about Muslims they are automatically called fascists but yet it is fine for Muslims to hold rallies and demonstrations into what ever they want? Fascists, anti-fascists or just people who care about their country and the state of it.
- Confused, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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These hooligans are exactly that. Their links to the far right have been demonstrated and the fact they are willing to protest against ordinary muslims is somewhat bizarre and could quite likely cause significant problems (no doubt some of the media will blame the muslims). Its all very sad when ordinary people like the old man in south london was killed for being muslim and you see feedback like here and not one condemning all those of hate and blaming a whole community for the actions of a few. It seems the internet has given the gorilla types of people a voice..
- Alan Rex, London, uk, 29/09/2009 09:47
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So, let me try and work out the logic here, so it’s ok to intimidate Muslim’s but if you try and stop someone intimidates Muslim’s then you are a thug? And it seems no one is particularly bothered about a bunch of racist thugs perverting the memory of the thousands that tragically died on September 11th for political point scoring (just as the BNP did soon after July 7th- these people have no scruples). Really, I don’t think many commentators here have managed to raise their intellect beyond “Drrr Muslim= bad!”
- Nj, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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where were these UAF people when the Islamics who started all this were demonstrating in Luton. i never saw the UAF counter-demonstrating Hooks Hamza and his cronies in North London. i would class those fanatics pretty Far Right wing so where were you, UAF!!!!!!!!!!
personally i don't see the point of the EDL demonstrating outside a Mosque anyway, but we are a democracy.
- Jonny, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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Another good point by Sanjay of Hounslow but if all people of colour are not to be 'tarred with the same brush' - ouch - they are the ones who need to be sniffing out these extremist scum and showing the nation they belong by protesting against muslim extremism. Facist thugs aren't going to care whether you're a nice cuddley muslim or a ranting hate-filled extremist and the Govt seems to need to be told by someone other than the white majority that we don't want these fundementalist nutters on our streets.
- Squiz, Islington, 29/09/2009 09:47
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Weyman Bennett, UAF's joint national secretary, said: “These self-confessed hooligans will attack people, I'm absolutely convinced about that."
....going in with that attitude kinda sets the scene, doesn't it! Just who is it that are being labeled as hooligans and thugs? These "anti-fascists" aren't exactly known for their peace and harmony approach to anyone to the right of left wing radicals.
The original protest is, I think, ill-advised. Polarization of viewpoints will inevitably be encouraged and no long term good will come from it - but I can sympathize with the people who object to general Islamic intolerance (as opposed to the thinking moderate Islamic community) of non-Islamic institutions and mores. Religious tolerance cannot be a one-way street if problems are to be resolved. Anyone can quote individual instances of peaceful co-existence, but the evidence of Islamic radicalization is etched into the minds of anyone who reads a paper or watches the news on TV.
Small wonder there are those who will see a need to protest this. And small wonder there will be extremists on all sides - the left, the right & Islamic radicals - who will use this as an excuse to ramp it up a notch and have a rumble.
- Rogan, Irving, 29/09/2009 09:47
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We all know there is a problem there with segregation, racial tension, terrorism threat... but fueling the fire daily isn't helping anyone! Fix the damn problem or suggest how it can be fixed!
When the excrement hits the fan and all hell breaks lose... all asians will be 'tarred with the same brush' by the facists. I am not muslim but I seriously fear for the future for all us 'of colour' in the UK, due to a handful of idiots who are biting the hand that feeds them.
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 29/09/2009 09:47
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What does the Muslim community really expect? I guess they thought they would be no backlash when they recently demonstated in Luton when British troops were parading after returning home from Afganistan. Also the British public does not forget the deplorable march in London when Muslims chanted "7/7 will come again" and "Death to those who insult Islam". truthfully it is about time there were protests against these Mosques that preach evil against those who are not Muslim.
- Dirk Diggler, Soho, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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The backlash against Islam is just going to get worse and become more violent. Hardly a day seems to pass without yet more revelations of terror plots by disaffected Muslims hell bent on murdering anyone who they feel are kafirs.
- Peter, Harrow, UK, 29/09/2009 09:47
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These so called 'anti-facists' are quite content to sit back and do nothing about Muslim extremists who amongst other things treat women as second class citizens,are anti-gay,anti-christian,preach hatred and intolerence etc,yet this group spend all their time chasing white blokes around who are actually taking a stand against this.
- Stephen, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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I can't believe that the bully-boys of the UAF have the nerve to call anybody hooligans. Every time I see them they are engaged in some sort of fraccas. Their behaviour is the very definition of fascicm. You may not agree with people's views, but in a democracy you have to respect their right to them. If nobody instigates violence then the protesters will have to justify their behaviour.
- Mark, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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I am a muslim...and the fact that people are making an attempt on the mosque and the worshipers will end horribly for all who decide to protest...i have heard of bus loads of muslims coming from other mosques including our local one...going to harrow just to pray and to hold up ismalamic faith.
- Missy, Hounslow, England, 29/09/2009 09:47
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True solitary and respect is the key.
People of all races, religions and backgrounds will have to show true solidarity against all types of terrorist and fascists which threatens our way of life. The UK is our home and we are proud of our diversity and tolerance but we as a nation can not and should not excuse or allow and form of terrorist extremists (such as the ones in Luton) to voice their evil message, especially to troops returning home from duty. UAF & ANL should have shown support and protested against these terrorist as they are just as a greater treat to our stability as the fascists.
- Amrit, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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I don't understand why the term "anti-fascist" is used. That implies that anyone protesting against Islamic extremism is a "fascist". A great many home-grown Brits are concerned about Islamic extremism - does that make these people fascist? Or is it a term being used by the loony left in an attempt to silence the genuine concerns of many UK citizens?
- Ab, London, 29/09/2009 09:47
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Why do all the Muslims want to live in the UK/West if they hate our way of life ? How many Westerners want to move the other way, none.
- Grim Reaper, Hell, 29/09/2009 09:47
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The UAF/anti-facists groups talk about rascism yet they only target white groups whose views they don't agree with!
- Steve, Tooting, 29/09/2009 09:47
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Bet half the protesters are also religious fruitcakes who just happen to believe in another supernatural deity.
To me, religion in general is the root of all evil, and should be banned. (OK, maybe not all evil, research shows mime artists are responsible for at least 4% of evil.)
- Wouter, London, UK, 29/09/2009 09:47
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