Prince Edward Island: mosque members fear arson

Masjid Dar As-SalamMembers of the Masjid Dar As-Salam Mosque in Charlottetown have made a complaint to police following what they believe is the latest in a series of threats.

The mosque, which was just opened in July, is the first purpose-built place of worship for Muslims on P.E.I.

On Thursday, people going to dawn prayer found a bottle that they say contained gasoline and posters saying “Defeat jihad” on the mosque doorstep. “A bottle containing gasoline is left on the doorsteps, you start wondering if the message that’s being sent involves arson,” said Zain Esseghaier, a spokesperson for the Muslim Society of P.E.I.

Continue reading

EDL in Walsall: Protestors branded ‘a rabble’ as 28 arrested

EDL Walsall protest (4)

The English Defence League has been branded a “disorganised rabble” after its Walsall protest descended into violence.

Police arrested 28 people as followers of the far-right group charged officers, who used shields and batons to thwart the attackers in Leicester Street.

Organisers of a rival protest set up outside the town’s New Art Gallery to highlight the borough’s proud multi-cultural heritage have attacked the EDL for failing to control its supporters.

Continue reading

Moscow court outlaws anti-Islam film

A court in Moscow ruled Monday that an anti-Islam film that has sparked violent demonstrations around the world can no longer be shown in Russia.

Tverskoi court’s ruling follows a similar local decision taken last week by a court in Grozny, the provincial capital of Russia’s Muslim-dominated province of Chechnya.

In Moscow, Justice Ministry spokeswoman Marina Gridneva said the film was deemed extremist because it could incite ethnic and religious hatred.

Continue reading

Another flop for the Scottish Defence League

The Scottish Defence League (SDL) held a static protest outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, while Unite Against Fascism organised its own counter-protest. Police said that around 60 people attended the SDL event, which lasted for around 45 minutes. The majority arrived by coach.

Meanwhile Unite Against Fascism said its march from the City Chambers on the Royal Mile to the Parliament attracted over 300 people. Police put the figure at around 250.

Continue reading

Arrests at EDL Walsall protest after clashes with police

EDL Walsall protest

Police clashed with members of the English Defence League during protests in Walsall town centre today.

During speeches given by leaders of the EDL, the crowd surged towards police lines on Leicester Street. Officers with riot gear used batons and shields to hold back the demonstrators. Scores of missiles – including bricks, bottles and litter bins – were hurled at police.

At 3pm officers cleared Lichfield Street with a shields charge as members of the EDL were herded on to buses to transport them away from the town centre.

West Midlands Police said they have no power to ban a static protest and the right to protest peacefully was a sign of a healthy democracy.

Birmingham Mail, 29 September 2012

Continue reading