Anti-Islamic extremism protest turns violent in UK
Agencies
Published: September 06, 2009, 12:48
London: A rally against Islamic extremism in Birmingham turned violent on Saturday as protesters clashed with counter-demonstrators.
Police reported more than 30 arrests.
Trouble broke out when protesters from the English Defense League, a group which says it is opposed to militant Islam in Britain, were met in Birmingham's downtown area by anti-fascist activists and counter-demonstrators.
Sky News television footage showed police confining members of the English Defense League inside pubs as counter demonstrators held up placards and shouted slogans nearby.
The broadcaster said many of the protesters were loaded onto buses and subsequently arrested.
It also showed footage of counter-demonstrators of South Asian descent throwing objects, running down streets and clashing with police.
Police were able to quell "pockets of disorder by several groups of 20 to 30 men," said West Midlands Police spokeswoman Det. Chief Inspector Sue Southern.
At least 200 people were involved in the clashes, she said in a statement.
Agencies
Published: September 06, 2009, 12:48
London: A rally against Islamic extremism in Birmingham turned violent on Saturday as protesters clashed with counter-demonstrators.
Police reported more than 30 arrests.
Trouble broke out when protesters from the English Defense League, a group which says it is opposed to militant Islam in Britain, were met in Birmingham's downtown area by anti-fascist activists and counter-demonstrators.
Sky News television footage showed police confining members of the English Defense League inside pubs as counter demonstrators held up placards and shouted slogans nearby.
The broadcaster said many of the protesters were loaded onto buses and subsequently arrested.
It also showed footage of counter-demonstrators of South Asian descent throwing objects, running down streets and clashing with police.
Police were able to quell "pockets of disorder by several groups of 20 to 30 men," said West Midlands Police spokeswoman Det. Chief Inspector Sue Southern.
At least 200 people were involved in the clashes, she said in a statement.
