Denying the right to discuss British foreign policy in the wake of the horrific murder in Woolwich is short-sighted and dangerous, argues Rachel Shabi.
Category Archives: Resisting Islamophobia
Misread banner starts storm of racial hatred
The Irish radio station Newstalk reports on an outbreak of Islamophobic (and anti-Catholic) hysteria in response to a banner displayed by Celtic supporters at the Scottish cup final. The banner featured the words “Achill Island C.S.C.” (Celtic Supporters Club) but was misread by some observers as “Achill Islam C.S.C.”, provoking a storm of angry tweets from bigots eager to denounce Celtic and its fans.
EDL protesters blame Islam for Woolwich attack
For a movement that was on the verge of implosion less than a month ago, the English Defence League has staged a major show of force in central London, signalling that the death of Drummer Lee Rigby has breathed new life into the far-right protest group.
More than 500 supporters – including football hooligans, veteran fascists and others – assembled under tight police security at the entrance to Downing Street, where they listened to their leaders blame Islam for the killing in Woolwich last week.
A counter-demonstration of several hundred people, organised by anti-fascist groups, was kept apart from the EDL protest, which chanted “scum, scum, scum” as their leader, Tommy Robinson, railed against the left and Muslims. Flags of St George fluttered and placards with messages such as “wool which 2013: no turning back” were held aloft.
Nottingham: Campaigners speak out against racist and fascist attacks
Anti-fascist campaigners in Nottingham have taken a stand against attacks on Muslims in the wake of the murder of a British soldier.
More than 50 people gathered in Old Market Square on Saturday to display an anti-fascism and anti-racism messages outside the Council House. It came amid rumours circulating on the internet that members of the English Defence League (EDL) were planning to stage an unofficial protest in the square.
UAF demonstration at Downing Street today
Handing in of UAF unity statement to Downing St prior to EDL mobilisation
Monday 27 May 2pm outside Downing Street London SW1A
Speakers:
Jeremy Corbyn MP
Murad Qureshi AM
Daniel Trilling Assistant Editor, New Statesman
Azad Ali, Islamic Forum Europe
Mohammed Kozbar, British Muslim Initiative
Zita Holbourne, TUC Race Relations Committee
Steve Hart, Unite the Union Political Director
Andy Reid, PCS Executive Member and Woolwich resident
Kate Hudson, General Secretary CND
Unjum Mirza Political officer, RMT
Aaron Kiely NUS Black Students Officer
Matt Stanley NUS LGBT Committee
Lynne Chamberlain, Woolwich Trades Council
Weyman Bennett Joint National Secretary, Unite Against Fascism
and others tbc
York: Students and community unite in opposition to EDL
Over 100 students and members of the public turned up outside the York Mosque and Islamic Centre at Bull Lane on Sunday afternoon after rumours of a EDL rally surfaced on Facebook and Twitter on Saturday evening. The York community stood together as an act of solidarity against fascism that very afternoon. 4 EDL supporters arrived at around 3:00 pm.
EDL stirs up hatred and makes risk of attack ‘more likely’, says poll
Some interesting results were thrown up by a Survation poll published today. The poll asked 1,121 adults a number of questions relating to the Woolwich attack.
Muslim groups urge consultation over government plans to combat extremism
Leading British Islamic groups have urged the government to consult Muslims over plans for combating extremism, warning that knee-jerk policies risk exacerbating the problem and damaging social cohesion.
The home secretary, Theresa May, has proposed a series of measures to address the radicalisation of Muslims, including new controls on the internet and the banning of groups preaching hate.
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) – which described the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week as “a horrific instance of extremism” – said that while a new and effective strategy was needed, it must not be rushed through at the expense of British Muslims or society at large.
“We hope wisdom prevails as we reflect on the response of these past few days and the missed opportunities of previous years,” it said in a statement on Sunday. “We must be vigilant and ensure we do not inadvertently give into the demands of all extremists: making our society less free, divided and suspicious of each other. Lessons from the past indicate that policies and measures taken in haste can exacerbate extremism.”
Kent police declare ‘zero tolerance’ to hate crime
Three people have been charged with various hate crimes related offences in Medway since Wednesday 22nd May – the day a soldier was murdered in Woolwich in south east London.
YouGov poll: 80% say most Muslims are peaceful and terrorist threat is low
Following the attack on soldier Drummer Lee Rigby outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich on Wednesday, new YouGov research finds the British public resolute in their perceptions of the terrorist threat level and in their attitudes towards the Muslim community.