Yearly Archives: 2012

Norwegian Defence League holds anti-Islam rally in Oslo

Posted on by Bob Pitt

Norwegian Defence League protest Oslo December 2012About 40 people gathered for an anti-Islam demonstration in Oslo, and were met with jeers and chants of “no Nazis on our streets” from a larger group of counterdemonstrators.

The protest was staged by the Norwegian Defence League, a group inspired by the larger English Defence League, which has carried out rowdy anti-Islam protests in Britain. The defence leagues say they’re not racists but “patriots” opposing a perceived Islamization of Europe.

Police spokesman Finn Belle said Saturday’s demonstration was peaceful and police successfully kept the two sides apart. He said three counterdemonstrators were detained for disturbing the peace and were fined before being released.

Associated Press, 15 December 2012

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Hizb ut-Tahrir lashes Australian think tank study

Posted on by Bob Pitt

HT logoControversial Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir has hit back at claims it may pose a security threat.

Perth-based think tank Future Directions International (FDI) says while Hizb ut-Tahrir does not advocate violence, its anti-Western rhetoric could pose a “socio-cultural” security threat by increasing the disharmony between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians.

In the long term, the group may pose a significant national security threat by indirectly instigating terrorist attacks, FDI warned in a study last week.

But Hizb ut-Tahrir says the study is riddled with errors and lacks proper analysis.

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Alaska House of Representatives employee illegally used state resources to promote SIOA

Posted on by Bob Pitt

A legislative aide who joined an anti-Islam group and became obsessed with its mission crossed the line and illegally used state resources to promote its interests, a state ethics panel concluded in a ruling released Friday.

Minutes after the ruling was made public, Karen Sawyer’s new boss, state Rep. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, announced that Sawyer resigned her job.

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Newcastle council rejects far-right campaign, gives go-ahead for disused building to be converted into Islamic school

Posted on by Bob Pitt

BNP burka groveByker Grove will be transformed into an Islamic school. Council planning chiefs have given the go-ahead to plans to convert Bishop’s Palace – used to film the popular TV series – into a fee-paying faith school.

The BAHR Academy will cater for up to 340 boys and girls between 11 and 16 in Benwell, Newcastle. But the development of the currently empty and run-down site will also include a community building, coffee shop and events space open at weekends.

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Belgian Constitutional Court says veil ban does not violate human rights

Posted on by Bob Pitt

Last week the Belgian Constitutional Court rejected a claim to annul the ban on face coverings, better known as “burqa ban”. This ban prohibits the wearing of clothing that covers the face, or a large part of it, in the public space. The Constitutional Court concluded that the ban does not violate fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of religion, the right to freedom of expression and the right to private life, provided that the ban is not interpreted in such a way that it also covers places of worship.

Strasbourg Observers, 14 December 2012

Support for Muslim centre in Oswestry

Posted on by Bob Pitt

Residents have written in support of plans for a new Muslim centre in Oswestry – defying calls from the British National Party.

Nearly 30 people have given their support to the plans for the conversion of the 19th century former Presbyterian Church in the town, with just five objections received.

The BNP had urged people to write to Shropshire Council to object to the plans for the building, which is currently occupied by a furniture business.

The Oswestry Muslim Society has applied for planning permission to change the use of the building for prayer meetings.

Supporter Iris Gordijn wrote: “It’s a very good thing that at long last Muslims will get their own religious and social centre in Oswestry. I fully support this application.”

Another supporter, Andrew Meredith, added: “Bringing an unused building back into use can only be good thing for the town. The fact that it is to be used as a Muslim Centre is immaterial.”

Shropshire Star, 14 December 2012

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Threatening letter sent to vandalised French mosque

Posted on by Bob Pitt

Fait-religieux reports that an Ahmadiyya mosque at Épernay in northern France which was vandalised by fascists last month has received a letter filled with racist slurs and abuse. It calls for “bougnoules” (wogs) to be thrown out of France just like the French were thrown out of Algeria and threatens to return to Épernay for a further attack on the mosque.

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Leicestershire: No sanction possible against ex-BNP councillor censured over anti-Muslim leaflet

Posted on by Bob Pitt

Graham PartnerCounty Hall says it is powerless to compel a councillor do training he was told to undertake for sending out a leaflet criticising Muslims.

Councillor Graham Partner was censured “in the strongest possible terms” by Leicestershire County Council’s standards committee this summer for undermining good race relations and told he would have to have equality training.

However, since the standards hearing on June 27, Coun Partner, who represents Coalville as an independent, has declined to do the training.

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