Jewish Defence League and Canadian Hindu Advocacy object to employee guide to Ramadan

Ontario government officials say the success of an employee guide to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan has prompted other publications for workers who celebrate Diwali, Christmas and Easter.

A “Ramadan: the Muslim Month of Fasting” guide was issued to 67,000 Ontario government workers last July telling them to be “sensitive” to Muslim co-workers because they are fasting and praying from dusk to dawn. The document advises managers to provide a safe room for Muslims to pray and that they may require to make more trips to the bathroom to wash before they pray. They are required to pray five times a day.

Jason Wesley, of the Ministry of Government Services, said similar publications have been sent to workers “explaining the significance of the Jewish observances of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur”. Wesley said guides to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali and Christian celebrations of Christmas and Easter are planned for release.

The guide has sparked concerns from non-Muslim government workers who claim they’re being discriminated against.

“There should be no religion whatsoever in public offices,” Meyer Weinstein of the Jewish Defence League said. “They (Ontario government) are turning the workplace into a three-ring circus.”

The JDL, Canadian Hindu Advocacy and several Christian groups are calling for an end to Muslim students praying in the cafeteria with an imam on some Fridays at Valley Park Middle School on Overlea Blvd.

“The Muslims are being given preferential treatment in schools and offices,” said Advocacy director Ron Banerjee. “The other religions were thrown in as window dressing for the Muslim prayers.”

Toronto Sun, 27 September 2011


Quite who these non-Muslim workers who feel they’ve been discriminated against might be is unclear. The source of this claim would appear to be Ron Bannerjee, who was quoted in an earlier report as saying that Hindu employees are “outraged” by the Ramadan guide. He added: “Other workers in the office will have to work twice as hard to pick up their slack. Muslim workers will require more time for their religion and other people will have to do their work.” The idea that Bannerjee is a reliable source on this issue is of course laughable.

EDL thugs jailed for attack on Redbridge Islamic Centre

Redbridge Islamic Centre broken windowFour thugs who smashed up a Redbridge mosque before hurling a brick at the imam have been jailed for a total of 12-and-a-half years today.

The gang shattered the windows of Redbridge Islamic Centre, Eastern Avenue, before trying to storm their way inside while taunting worshippers with sickening chants.

Rocky Beale, 19, of Purleigh Avenue, Woodford Green and Eliot Jones, 19, of Keswick Gardens, Redbridge, pelted the centre with bricks, along with 18-year-old Matthew Stephenson, of Burrow Road, Hainault. Harry Deluca, 16, whose name can now be revealed after an order was lifted by the judge, also pelted the centre and repeatedly screamed “EDL” throughout the assault on March 24. All four denied violent disorder but were convicted by a jury last month after just 90 minutes of deliberation.

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Swiss MPs back SVP motion banning veil

SVP racist posterSwiss MPs have approved a far-right move to impose a ban on the burqa or other face coverings in some public places, including on public transport.

With 101 votes against 77, the lower chamber of the house approved the motion, which was titled “masks off!”, on Wednesday. The draft bill will still have to be examined by the upper chamber.

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Sweden: two men charged over Breivik ‘tribute’ attacks

Two men arrested in Västerås on suspicion of attempted murder expressed support for Anders Behring Breivik’s massacre in Norway prior to stabbing two men of non-Swedish origin.

Two men, aged 25 and 26, were charged in Västerås on Friday for attempted murder in connection with attacks on two men of south Asian origin at the end of July.

According to the Dagens Nyheter daily the police report details that one of the defendants sent the follow text message to the other shortly after Behring Brevik’s terror attack on July 22nd: “A Norwegian ‘Nazi’ has killed like, around 84! From the left who, like, cheered on Islam. HAHAHA!! WHITE POWER!”

The Local, 27 September 2011

Nazir-Ali on meeting the English Defence League

The report about Blackburn EDL acclaiming a talk they attended by Michael Nazir-Ali, and posting a photo of themselves with him on their Facebook page, has been taken up by Riazat Butt at the Guardian. She contacted Nazir-Ali’s office and asked them:

“Was the bishop aware that EDL members were in the audience? Did he know he was posing with EDL members in the photograph? What does he have to say about posing with EDL members and the positive comments he got from EDL members?”

Also: “Does he regret being photographed with them? Would he have had his photograph taken with them if he had known they were members of the EDL? Is he concerned that his views have led EDL members to think he is ‘on their wavelength’?”

Nazir-Ali replied that he had no idea that the people he was photographed with were EDL: “These pictures were requested at a public meeting by individuals who were not known to me and have been published without my consent.” He also refers to a couple of articles he wrote attacking the BNP. But the question “Is he concerned that his views have led EDL members to think he is ‘on their wavelength’?” didn’t receive an answer.

Germany: authorities discuss surveillance of Islamophobic right

German anti-mosque protestorOfficials from the BfV, Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, will discuss the country’s increasingly vocal Islamophobe scene at a meeting on Thursday. There have been calls to put right-wing populist and anti-Muslim groups under increased surveillance.

Islamophobes in Germany could come under increased surveillance by the country’s domestic intelligence agency. There are concerns that the anti-Muslim scene is becoming increasingly dangerous, and some intelligence officials want it to be subject to greater scrutiny, despite stringent German privacy laws.

The subject will be discussed at a meeting on Thursday between the president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), Heinz Fromm, and the agency’s leaders in the 16 German states. Officials in Bavaria are considering putting right-wing populists under observation as a new form of extremism, while Hamburg has declared it is watching an internet discussion forum similar to anti-Islamic website “Politically Incorrect” (PI).

A spokesman from the North Rhine-Westphalia interior ministry told the Frankfurter Rundschau newspaper that PI was not currently under observation by intelligence agents, but that the blog was being read closely and that the opinions and comments published on it were “undemocratic.” The xenophobic comments were calculated to “incite young people”, the spokesman added.

Most states are reluctant, however, and the federal interior ministry has also not yet committed itself on the matter. In essence, the question is whether the hatred of Muslims is enough to endanger freedom of religion and international understanding – or whether it is a radical but legitimate expression of opinion by individual authors within the limits of the constitution.

Spiegel, 27 September 2011

EDL supporter avoids jail after hitting critic in face with bottle

A pub attacker who left his victim with a one inch scar on his head has been spared jail. Liam O’Keefe, 22, hit the victim John Lindsay in the face with a bottle, leaving him bleeding profusely in the sudden outburst at the Station Hotel, Helmshore, in January.

Mr Lindsay was said to have “mildly” told the defendant he needed to sort out his attitude and grow up after he started talking about the English Defence League and made comments about immigration, Burnley Crown Court heard.

O’Keefe was immediately thrown out of the premises by the landlord, who was shocked by what he had seen as there had been no build up. The hearing was told the victim suffered a 3cm laceration to his forehead.

The defendant was arrested and questioned and told police he had had too much to drink. He said he had rowed with Mr Lindsay, but didn’t know what it was about. He he did not think he would have made racist comments.

O’ Keefe, of Hall Street, Haslingden, admitted wounding. He was given 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with a curfew on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between 7.30pm and 6am. He must pay £750 compensation.

Lancashire Telegraph, 28 September 2011

Rise in far-right hate crimes in Austria

Austrian authorities say hate crimes by the extreme right spiked 28 percent last year.

In its 2010 report on criminality, the Interior Ministry said Tuesday that it recorded 580 hate crimes by far rightists, including “xenophobic/racist, Islamophobic, anti-Semitic as well as other acts.” The report says that compares to 453 such crimes in 2009. It says 48.6 percent of such crimes were successfully investigated, compared to 44.2 percent in 2009.

Islamophobia has grown in recent years in Austria, in addition to stubborn anti-Semitic sentiment on the part of some citizens. The rightist Freedom Party, which includes fringe neo-Nazi supporters, has exploited such anti-Muslim feelings to gain popularity.

Associated Press, 27 September 2011

Vile train hooligans need tackling now

I know this happens all the time and probably won’t be ‘news’ to you, but I’m so angry I needed to tell someone.

Yesterday, getting the train from Sheffield to Norwich, a group of what I would describe as disgusting bigots and football hooligans got on the train from Nottingham to Grantham.

The carriage was full of families of all ages including very small children. They were extremely drunk, disturbing, crude and basically acting like animals: punching the train roof, spilling beer everywhere and causing general chaos. I have attached a photo of the main lout punching the train and being disruptive, and I also have a video of him chanting offensive and crude songs. Particularly disturbing was when they were chanting “EDL”.

I am so ashamed to think I live in a world of disgusting people like this. There should be more done in local areas to deal with animals like these, and they should be named and shamed.

Their faces should be spread over the front page of the newspaper, so in a more sober state they can realise how disgustingly they acted.

I was with my elderly mother and she was so upset about their behaviour and attitude. Everybody on the train was too scared to confront them so we just had to endure it.

Email to the Grantham Journal, 25 September 2011

EDL supporters back racist who attacked Muslim community centre

Daniel Parker EDLEnglish Defence League supporters have organised an e-petition demanding the release of Daniel Parker, who recently received an 8-month prison sentence for his role in an EDL mob that attacked the Barnsley Muslim Community Centre and racially abused its imam.

Here are some of the comments added by those who signed the “Free Danny Parker” petition:

“The riots earlier this year was just a taster of whats to come, if they carry on turning on patriots and pandering to the trouble causers there will be a revolution before much longer and then what will they do!”

“some Muslim can disrespect our country by burning a poppy right in front of our nations eyes and gets a fine for 50 pound but then one of our own speaks his mind and gets locked up its just not fair at all”

“I have never met Danny but I would gladly shake his hand and I agree with his non-violent actions, it’s just a shame our justice service is deluded and exaggerate on political correctness.”

“if actions like these keep happening to BRITISH! Citizens then you should be prepared for the backlash,british people have had enough of foreigners being put before us rightful inhabitants of this country”

“That judge is a complete CLOWN!!! … In this world you should be able to speak your mind, without the fear of JAIL.”

“hes only said what we’re all thinking, is there no such thing as free speach anymore?? foreigners are getting away with everything!!! makes me so angry!!!!!!!!!!!”

“Daniel Parker just voiced his opinion in a non violent way and for this he is jailed for 8 months.THE JUDGE SHOULD HANG HIS HEAD IN SHAME”

“what a joke free the man!!! He was only using his freedom of speech!!!!!”

“why is it so wrong for us to say how we feel but yet get the worst punishment ever and yet people of a different race can shout what they want to us in whatever language they speak other than English but how often do you see those getting sentenced ? never !”

“If you value your freedoms, please sign this petition to free a political prisoner. Support free speech in a free England!”

“This is a blatant infringement of our Freedom of Speech! 8 months in jail for expressing what the whole country is thinking is absurd!!! We DEMAND his release immediately!! … We will NOT be silent no matter what. MUSLIM BOMBERS OFF OUR STREETS!!!”

“Get Danny Parker out NOW! The Hell with the Muzzies! If I were the PM, I would deport them all PERIOD!”

“Wake up brits before it’s too late! down with sharia law!!”

“2 tier system yet again! Shout abuse at troops=nothing, singing=8 months! justice system is a crock of shit!”

“used to be proud of our British laws knowing if you broke them what you could expect, now it seem if you are a muslim extreemist you are above the law and no one can touch you and i am ashamed.”

“free this lad he only sang what we normally sing”

“Total injustice mate, u should never be locked up just for speaking your mind”

“this country is so run by muslims now we will all go to jail for shouting things we believe”

“A family man taken from his family and children for a few truthful words i dont see any christian bombers? hindu bombers? jewish bombers on our streets. Shame on you all”

“To be imprisoned for speaking ones mind is an affront to freedom of speech.”

“We can commit our Soldiers to help give people free speech in Afghanistan and Libya, but in this Country we bang people up for it. WHY??????”

“This is outrageous! You put a family man in jail for shouting five innocent words,that just happen to be accurate,but you allow hate monegring,racist,blood thirsty calls for jihad and the downfall of English society to go?? Gutless bastards,it would be poetic justice if one of your family members or YOU happen to feel the prphets sword on your neck first.ASSHOLES!”

“Its Time for the Police and Government to Uphold the ‘Law’ and arrest anyone committing Treason in Our Country , any Muslim who incites , Condones , Preaches or is openly promoting the downfall of Our nation through clandestine movements which threaten Democracy the Crown and Our Christian Religion, Human Right, Gay rights . DO YOUR JOB ! The people have had enough you will push our Country into Civil war”

“Freedom of speech is a right, if the Muslims can speak out again us so freely, why shouldn’t we state it too? He only said facts!”

“how rediculous! its totally unjust. if he was muslim he would not be jailed”

“let him out now the muslims have more hate in them and thay get away with it”

“People of the islamic ideology can say and do whatever they please, yet anyone else who uses freedom of speech goes to prison. Terrible…”

“this country is going down the shitter,with the usual race card routine with help from this Dhimmi government and judicial system,Danny Parker has done absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever,free speech in his own country”

“the goverment needs to wake up before it gets too late theres going to be lots of bloodshed on our streets and it wont be the none muslims doing it it will be muslim extremists trying to impose shia law they already stated that they want dewsbury bradford and tower hamlets. enoughs enough give our freedom of speech back and listern to whats been said.”

“Do we see the Muslim extremists getting locked up, NO. this is ridiculous. “

“To jail him for this means the courts support the muslim bombers. If they are against Danny Parker, they must be for the bombers. There is no third choice”

“The Government wanna stop arresting people up fOr stupid stuff!! Start going for the real threats an criminals to England such as the Muslim peadophile rings ect!!! Disgusting!!”

“total disgrace! release an innoncent man from prison to be with his wife and children. I am sickened by this, it would be different if he was black!”

In a post on the “Free Danny Parker” Facebook page, Parker’s wife Cheryl warns that “if the press see some of the comments they’re just going to dismiss us as a group of far right supporters”. You can see her point, can’t you?

Update:  Not that EDL supporters have heeded Mrs Parker’s advice. Recent comments by signatories to the petition include:

“Be warned you politicians it wont be long before there’s another riot. People will only put up with so much Bullshit before they snap.”

“islam is not a race, neither is it a religion, but an ideology no different from nazism. s lets ‘GET DANNY OUT!'”

Update 2:  There has been a heated discussion of the case over at the Barnsley Chronicle‘s Facebook page. Cheryl Parker has been banned and her comments deleted after she falsely accused one of her husband’s critics of being a sex offender.

Still, Mrs Parker is not without her supporters. Here is one comment that was posted in her defence:

EDL Barnsley Chronicle Ian Shaw comment

Followed by:

EDL Barnsley Chronicle Ian Shaw comment2