A man has been fined for making offensive comments about Allah during the English Defence League protest in Leicester.
Lee Whitby was found guilty of using racially aggravated abusive words during the protest in the city centre on Saturday, October 9.
During a trial at Leicester Magistrates' Court yesterday, the 27-year-old pleaded not guilty to chanting "threatening, abusive or insulting" words that were likely to cause "harassment, alarm or distress."
Although he admitted making comments, Whitby said he did not believe they would have been heard by anyone other than police officers or fellow EDL supporters.
However, magistrate Rick Moore ruled that officers were likely to have been alarmed by the defendant's words.
Whitby, of Holley Place, Stoke-on-Trent, said he was an EDL supporter and had travelled by train to Leicester on the day of the protest with about 30 people from Stoke and Crewe.
He also admitted being part of previous EDL protests in Newcastle, Dudley, Stoke, Bolton and Bradford.
The defendant told the court he was leaving the protest site in Humberstone Gate East and was being ushered towards the train station when he uttered the offensive chant.
Whitby, who chose to represent himself, said: "I went to an EDL demo and was in an area which was isolated away from everyone else.
"The only people that would have heard were the EDL.
"I was not aiming it at anyone. No-one around would find it offensive. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said it.
"I was just voicing my opinion at an EDL meeting with just EDL people around."
Alexandra Blossom, prosecuting, said the comments made were bound to cause harassment, alarm or distress because of Leicester's multicultural society and the fact the words were said in the city centre.
She said: "A number of people present that day were likely to be offended.
"It was a high-profile event and members of the public would have been in the city on a Saturday.
"The remarks are even offensive to police.
"A clear message needs to be sent out about using such behaviour in a multicultural city."
The court heard Whitby had two previous convictions for common assault.
Mr Moore said: "It is a fact you were with others chanting and police were within hearing distance but there is no evidence of non-police officers within hearing distance.
"It is likely that a police officer or officers hearing the words would be likely to be alarmed and for that reason we find you guilty of this offence."
Whitby was fined £200 and ordered to pay a further £200 in costs, as well as a £15 victim surcharge.
This is leicestershire
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Jewish? Gay? Join us, white extremists say (UK)
The English Defence League (EDL), which was formed last year in protest at Islamic extremist activity, has also reached out across the Atlantic to build close ties with the American right-wing group, the Tea Party.
Hundreds of EDL members are planning demonstrations in Nuneaton and Preston today to protest at the building of mosques and what they claim is the growing influence in the UK of Sharia law.
But a new report, written by Professor Nigel Copsey of Teesside University, warns that the growth of EDL membership will spread Islamophobia in communities sharing a perceived "historical angst" against Muslims.
New branches of the League, such as the Jewish Division, could exploit the existing religious hostilities caused by territorial disputes in the Middle East, says Professor Copsey whose report was commissioned by the organisation Faith Matters.
It claims that these inter-faith tensions were brought into sharp focus last month when the senior US Jewish leader and Tea Party activist Rabbi Nachum Shifren denounced Islam at a EDL rally outside the Israeli Embassy in London. Israeli flags have also been spotted at several EDL demonstrations across the UK.
As well as aggravating religious tensions, the EDL has established a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Division to "defend" gay people from Sharia law. There are also specialist divisions for women, soldiers and disabled people. The report warns these communities to be vigilant against "selective racism" and the EDL's attempts at manipulation.
Contributors to the EDL Facebook site confirm that the group wants to work with other minority organisation including those which promote women's rights. One members writes: "After all, leftists have portrayed themselves for decades as the only ones really interested in promoting a progressive and inclusive agenda: homosexual rights, women's equality, minority rights, reproductive rights, immigration, world peace, among others."
One member added: "Remember there is a difference between being anti-Muslim and anti-Islam. We are against the ideology not the people. Let's not forget that many Muslim women and children are victims of their own religion."
But Professor Copsey warned: "True to the spirit of the enemy of my enemy is my friend, the EDL is targeting other ethnic communities. These communities need to guard against approaches by the EDL."
Founder and director of Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal, said: "The EDL's main aim is to increase tensions, raise hate and divide communities. Their attempts to portray themselves as a legitimate and open movement cannot disguise their violent, anti-Muslim agenda. This hate can easily mutate against another community."
The EDL membership claim that they are not a racist group. In guidance issuedto its members attending today's rallies the EDL leadership warns: "Violence and racism will not be tolerated. If you are found to be doing this, you will be ejected from the demonstration."
On Monday, EDL founder Stephen Lennon denied assaulting a police officer during clashes with Islamic protesters in west London. He was granted bail and a trial date was set of 12 January. About 30 supporters gathered outside the court, some with EDL placards.
The Faith Matters report is entitled The English Defence League: Challenging Our Country and Our Values of Social Inclusion, Fairness and Equality.
The Independant
EDL accused of council 'blackmail' in Christmas letter (UK)
A council leader says the English Defence League (EDL) are "blackmailing" councils over the removal of the word Christmas from public celebrations.
In a letter, the EDL says it will visit towns and cities that choose titles like Winter Festival when referring to Christmas lights being switched on.
Dennis Harvey, the leader of one of the recipient councils, Nuneaton and Bedworth, said he was "appalled".
The group is staging a demonstration in Nuneaton on Saturday.
A spokesman said they were going to the town because they "want to visit every city in the country and Nuneaton has the country's first ever Sharia court".
Previous gatherings there were counter demonstrations against the Islamic community who were protesting against soldiers' homecoming marches, the EDL said.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
For people to say they are supporters of traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life”
End Quote Dennis Harvey Nuneaton and Bedworth Council
The group said it expected 1,500 people in Nuneaton and the same number at a gathering in Preston on the same day.
The council, which has no party in overall control, said the town will operate as normal while the EDL gathering takes place.
The EDL has written to some councils to urge them "not lose the meaning of Christmas by changing it to Winter Festival".
EDL leader Tommy Robinson said in the letter: "Please keep Christmas as Christmas and not let our culture and traditions be eroded and preserve English values.
"Any council that does not keep the word Christmas in the annual celebrations and opts for Winter Festival, out of the politically correct appeasement of others to the detriment of our traditions, will have their town/city visited by the English Defence League throughout the following year."
The council said the Christmas lights switch on takes place in Bedworth on Saturday. It said the event is, and always has been, known by that title.
Mr Harvey, Labour, said: "(It's) a bit of a blackmail letter really.
"We've always celebrated Christmas traditionally here.
"We've never had a problem with that but to receive a letter threatening us that we would be targeted or any town for that matter is appalling.
"For people to say they are supporters of a traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life."
BBC News
In a letter, the EDL says it will visit towns and cities that choose titles like Winter Festival when referring to Christmas lights being switched on.
Dennis Harvey, the leader of one of the recipient councils, Nuneaton and Bedworth, said he was "appalled".
The group is staging a demonstration in Nuneaton on Saturday.
A spokesman said they were going to the town because they "want to visit every city in the country and Nuneaton has the country's first ever Sharia court".
Previous gatherings there were counter demonstrations against the Islamic community who were protesting against soldiers' homecoming marches, the EDL said.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
For people to say they are supporters of traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life”
End Quote Dennis Harvey Nuneaton and Bedworth Council
The group said it expected 1,500 people in Nuneaton and the same number at a gathering in Preston on the same day.
The council, which has no party in overall control, said the town will operate as normal while the EDL gathering takes place.
The EDL has written to some councils to urge them "not lose the meaning of Christmas by changing it to Winter Festival".
EDL leader Tommy Robinson said in the letter: "Please keep Christmas as Christmas and not let our culture and traditions be eroded and preserve English values.
"Any council that does not keep the word Christmas in the annual celebrations and opts for Winter Festival, out of the politically correct appeasement of others to the detriment of our traditions, will have their town/city visited by the English Defence League throughout the following year."
The council said the Christmas lights switch on takes place in Bedworth on Saturday. It said the event is, and always has been, known by that title.
Mr Harvey, Labour, said: "(It's) a bit of a blackmail letter really.
"We've always celebrated Christmas traditionally here.
"We've never had a problem with that but to receive a letter threatening us that we would be targeted or any town for that matter is appalling.
"For people to say they are supporters of a traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life."
BBC News
Council reveals £131,000 cost of English Defence League protest in Leicester
The city council's bill for last month's controversial English Defence League demonstration stands at £131,000, it has been revealed.
The majority of the cash was spent on operations to minimise disruption to the city, with a bill of £94,000 split between boarding up businesses, extra street cleaning after the event and the legal costs of attempting to ban the march.
Close to £40,000 was spent on "community activities" such as the We Are One Leicester concert, which included a performance from singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg.
The police bill is likely to be about £1 million.
Sheila Lock, chief executive of Leicester City Council, said: "Protecting the city and its traders, and keeping young people safe from the potential for trouble, was a priority. I think we successfully did that.
"However, the fact that we bear the costs for dealing with something we didn't want or ask for still concerns us greatly. "That's why we continue to press for a meeting with the Home Office."
Mohammed Dawood, the council cabinet's community cohesion boss, said: "The costs incurred by the council are still being finalised and some further payments are expected to be made, but these are not expected to be significant.
"The current cost to the council in relation to the EDL demonstration itself is £94,000. "Further expenditure of approximately £18,000 was incurred providing positive activities for young people and information around the city before, during and after the event. The We Are One Leicester celebration event cost £19,000 to stage."
Ron and Katherine Focks, who run Niche, in Carts Lane, off High Street, opened until 3pm on the day of the rally, October 9. Mr Focks said: "The organisation that went into keeping violence to a minimum was very impressive. It was a sad day for the city but it was handled very well."
This is Leicestershire
The majority of the cash was spent on operations to minimise disruption to the city, with a bill of £94,000 split between boarding up businesses, extra street cleaning after the event and the legal costs of attempting to ban the march.
Close to £40,000 was spent on "community activities" such as the We Are One Leicester concert, which included a performance from singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg.
The police bill is likely to be about £1 million.
Sheila Lock, chief executive of Leicester City Council, said: "Protecting the city and its traders, and keeping young people safe from the potential for trouble, was a priority. I think we successfully did that.
"However, the fact that we bear the costs for dealing with something we didn't want or ask for still concerns us greatly. "That's why we continue to press for a meeting with the Home Office."
Mohammed Dawood, the council cabinet's community cohesion boss, said: "The costs incurred by the council are still being finalised and some further payments are expected to be made, but these are not expected to be significant.
"The current cost to the council in relation to the EDL demonstration itself is £94,000. "Further expenditure of approximately £18,000 was incurred providing positive activities for young people and information around the city before, during and after the event. The We Are One Leicester celebration event cost £19,000 to stage."
Ron and Katherine Focks, who run Niche, in Carts Lane, off High Street, opened until 3pm on the day of the rally, October 9. Mr Focks said: "The organisation that went into keeping violence to a minimum was very impressive. It was a sad day for the city but it was handled very well."
This is Leicestershire
Glasgow set for march and rally against racism (UK)
Trade unionists, politicians and faith and community groups will gather in Glasgow later for an annual march and rally against racism.
The St Andrew's Day anti-racism event has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).
Organisers said it would remind people in difficult economic times of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.
The march will start from St Andrew's in the Square at 1100 GMT.
Those taking part will rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street at noon.
Speakers will include Prof Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces".
He added: "We can use the law but that is not enough. It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life - in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours.
"That's why the STUC's annual St Andrew's Day event is so important."
BBC News
The St Andrew's Day anti-racism event has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).
Organisers said it would remind people in difficult economic times of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.
The march will start from St Andrew's in the Square at 1100 GMT.
Those taking part will rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street at noon.
Speakers will include Prof Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces".
He added: "We can use the law but that is not enough. It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life - in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours.
"That's why the STUC's annual St Andrew's Day event is so important."
BBC News
Friday, 26 November 2010
BNP rejects threat claims (UK)
The British National Party has rejected claims its supporters have been threatening a Bolton Euro MP.
Yesterday, The Bolton News reported how Sajjad Karim, the North West Conservative MEP, had employed 24-hour security to watch over his family after receiving abusive emails. He believes BNP sympathisers were behind the verbal attacks as the emails followed his criticism of the party and the subsequent appearance of a story about him on the BNP website.
But John Walker, the BNP’s press spokesman, said: “The BNP rejects, with contempt, all attempts by Mr Karim to stir up trouble and slur our party.”
However Mr Karim said: “We now have enough evidence to prove that these emails came as a direct result of traffic from the BNP website and from blogs by employees of the party.”
This is Lancashire
Yesterday, The Bolton News reported how Sajjad Karim, the North West Conservative MEP, had employed 24-hour security to watch over his family after receiving abusive emails. He believes BNP sympathisers were behind the verbal attacks as the emails followed his criticism of the party and the subsequent appearance of a story about him on the BNP website.
But John Walker, the BNP’s press spokesman, said: “The BNP rejects, with contempt, all attempts by Mr Karim to stir up trouble and slur our party.”
However Mr Karim said: “We now have enough evidence to prove that these emails came as a direct result of traffic from the BNP website and from blogs by employees of the party.”
This is Lancashire
Suburbs 'greater threat to Muslims' (UK)
Muslims and their mosques face a higher level of threats and intimidation in UK suburbs and market towns than in big cities, according to a report.
Case studies reveal examples such as a Muslim woman who was punched and called a "terrorist" in front of her petrified daughter. The report said such attacks often go unreported, and in this case the woman was too scared to inform the police.
She also played down the incident to reduce her child's distress and avoided explaining why she was singled out for wearing a burka and being a Muslim woman.
The new study, Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: UK Case Studies, reveals this kind of unprovoked incident is a largely hidden.
The report is part of a 10-year academic research project led by the University of Exeter's European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC). It captures a snapshot of these experiences which are often unrecognised by the media, politicians and wider British society.
The research also combines an academic approach to identifying world events and policy information that inform the way reactions and actions towards Muslims can be influenced.
Findings show that since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, arson, criminal damage, violence and intimidation against mosques has increased dramatically and smaller or isolated Muslim communities in places like Colchester, Bishop Stortford and Boston have become especially vulnerable.
Dr Jonathan Githens Mazer, co-director of the EMRC, said: "Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime are very real problems for British Muslims going about their everyday business."
The report also analyses the local activity by the British National Party, English Defence League and other organisations.
Google Hosted News
Case studies reveal examples such as a Muslim woman who was punched and called a "terrorist" in front of her petrified daughter. The report said such attacks often go unreported, and in this case the woman was too scared to inform the police.
She also played down the incident to reduce her child's distress and avoided explaining why she was singled out for wearing a burka and being a Muslim woman.
The new study, Islamophobia and Anti-Muslim Hate Crime: UK Case Studies, reveals this kind of unprovoked incident is a largely hidden.
The report is part of a 10-year academic research project led by the University of Exeter's European Muslim Research Centre (EMRC). It captures a snapshot of these experiences which are often unrecognised by the media, politicians and wider British society.
The research also combines an academic approach to identifying world events and policy information that inform the way reactions and actions towards Muslims can be influenced.
Findings show that since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, arson, criminal damage, violence and intimidation against mosques has increased dramatically and smaller or isolated Muslim communities in places like Colchester, Bishop Stortford and Boston have become especially vulnerable.
Dr Jonathan Githens Mazer, co-director of the EMRC, said: "Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate crime are very real problems for British Muslims going about their everyday business."
The report also analyses the local activity by the British National Party, English Defence League and other organisations.
Google Hosted News
Racist attack at Burnham shop (UK)
A Burnham trader has spoken of her shock after being subjected to racist abuse from a customer.
Monika Morris, who is Austrian, said it was the first time she had experienced such abuse in her 24 years in the country.
Mrs Morris, co-owner of GW Hurley toyshop, in High Street, was on the receiving end of abuse from 24-year-old woman Ashley Sullivan, after she was refused a refund for toys she claimed were faulty.
Sullivan, of Church Street, Highbridge, was sentenced at Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court on Monday, having earlier pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment.
The court heard Sullivan swore at Mrs Morris and called her a foreigner.
She was given a one-year conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £85 costs, plus £25 compensation to Mrs Morris.
Mrs Morris said: “It’s the first time I’ve come across racial abuse. The whole incident was very unpleasant and it did surprise me.
“People usually associate it [racism] with a different skin colour, but any kind of racism is to be taken seriously.
“She caused a lot of upset and I would like to give her a life ban as I don’t want her anywhere near my staff.
“At the end of the day, we have to stand up for what’s right. Nobody is entitled to call anybody names. But I think some justice has been done as she’s been charged and sentenced.”
Mrs Morris said she would give the compensation money to charity.
Burnham and Highbridge weekly news
Monika Morris, who is Austrian, said it was the first time she had experienced such abuse in her 24 years in the country.
Mrs Morris, co-owner of GW Hurley toyshop, in High Street, was on the receiving end of abuse from 24-year-old woman Ashley Sullivan, after she was refused a refund for toys she claimed were faulty.
Sullivan, of Church Street, Highbridge, was sentenced at Sedgemoor Magistrates’ Court on Monday, having earlier pleaded guilty to racially aggravated harassment.
The court heard Sullivan swore at Mrs Morris and called her a foreigner.
She was given a one-year conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £85 costs, plus £25 compensation to Mrs Morris.
Mrs Morris said: “It’s the first time I’ve come across racial abuse. The whole incident was very unpleasant and it did surprise me.
“People usually associate it [racism] with a different skin colour, but any kind of racism is to be taken seriously.
“She caused a lot of upset and I would like to give her a life ban as I don’t want her anywhere near my staff.
“At the end of the day, we have to stand up for what’s right. Nobody is entitled to call anybody names. But I think some justice has been done as she’s been charged and sentenced.”
Mrs Morris said she would give the compensation money to charity.
Burnham and Highbridge weekly news
White sheep kicking out black sheep: racist swiss ad?
Posters showing a black sheep being kicked off the Swiss flag by a white sheep have cropped up in stations and squares in Switzerland, as part of a campaign for the Swiss People’s Party’s demand to automatically deport foreigners convicted of serious crimes. The demand is to go before a Sunday referendum.
In 2007, the same posters were widely condemned, with Doudou Diene, the UN’s racism expert at the time, saying the images draw on stereotypes to paint foreigners as felons and benefit cheats. This year, a study by a polling group shows that 54 per cent of voters approved the measure.
Critics of the deportation proposal include legal experts, who say the law could clash with international treaties. “For the same crime some people will suffer one punishment, others will suffer two,” said Marcelo Kohen, a professor of international law at the Graduate Institute in Geneva.
Indian Express
In 2007, the same posters were widely condemned, with Doudou Diene, the UN’s racism expert at the time, saying the images draw on stereotypes to paint foreigners as felons and benefit cheats. This year, a study by a polling group shows that 54 per cent of voters approved the measure.
Critics of the deportation proposal include legal experts, who say the law could clash with international treaties. “For the same crime some people will suffer one punishment, others will suffer two,” said Marcelo Kohen, a professor of international law at the Graduate Institute in Geneva.
Indian Express
BULGARIAN CLERIC SENTENCED FOR CURSING THE DISABLED
Bishop Theodosius, Abbot of the Troyan Monastery, has become the first Bulgarian cleric to be sentenced for discrimination, after inexplicably insulting disabled laymen. Back in 2008, Bishop Theodosius chased away a group of disabled believers from the Troyan Monastery, calling them "sinners" and "cursed". The Bishop's obnoxious behavior has cost him the humble BGN 250, as decided by the Bulgarian Protection Against Discrimination Commission on Wednesday. Petar Kichashki, who made the discrimination complaint, appealed to the Bulgarian church to officially excommunicate Bishop Theodosius. "I am glad there is finally a verdict. The BGN 250 fine is not much, but it is a sign that Bishop Theodosius' behavior is unacceptable," Kichashki stated. Bishop Theodosius commented that he will not appeal against the fine and that he does not feel remorse, since the disabled were "very noisy with their wheelchairs and behaved badly."
Novinite
Novinite
Nazi sympathiser plastered racist stickers across Hastings (UK)
Stefan Luff was wearing a ring bearing the symbol of the Nazi paramilitary group the SS when he was arrested in September last year, after racially abusing members of the public.
After police searched his home they discovered a large amount of racist literature and Nazi iconography as well as contact information relating to extreme right wing political groups and organisations such as the National Socialist Movement and the Ku Klux Klan.
Today at Lewes Crown Court Luff was jailed for nine months suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation to his victims and £340 costs.
The 49-year-old, of Portland Terrace, Hastings, had previously denied two counts of racially aggravated behaviour and one count of publishing and distributing racial material but was convicted following a trial.
In total Sussex Police received 26 reports of racist stickers being plastered across buildings in Hastings. On average a couple of stickers a month were reported to police between February and September 2009.
The stickers appeared mostly on the Seafront around White Rock, The Old Town and the West Hill. Marks and Spencer in Queens Road was also targeted.
Luff was initially investigated after abusing two groups on one day in September 2009. He first racially abused a woman and her two young nieces as they walked down Strand Hill in Winchelsea.
He then racially abused a couple on a beach in Rye. The husband managed to photograph Luff on his mobile phone before he walked off.
Chief Inspector Mark Ling, Hastings District Commander, said: "Hastings Police will continue to work hard with our partners to prevent and reduce all types of racial crime and support those who are subjected to it.”
Detective Inspector Emma Heater said: “Luff caused a lot of distress to his victims in Rye who were visiting 1066 Country and the distribution of racist material around Hastings town centre was very upsetting for the local community.”
The Argus
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Neo-Nazi leader strikes plea bargain for Auschwitz theft
A Swedish neo-Nazi leader accused of ordering the theft of the Auschwitz death camp entrance sign will serve 32 months behind bars in his homeland under a plea bargain, Polish prosecutors say.
Anders Hoegstroem, who had risked up to 10 years behind bars if convicted in Poland of masterminding the theft, admitted his role before the case reached court, said a spokesman for the prosecutors' office in the city of Krakow.
"After having pleaded not guilty during the investigation, Hoegstroem admitted his guilt," prosecutor Robert Parys said.
"Under a plea bargain with prosecutors, he accepted a penalty of two years and eight months in prison. He will serve his sentence in Sweden."
Mr Hoegstroem was arrested in Sweden on a Polish warrant in February on suspicion of ordering the theft of the infamous "Arbeit macht frei" sign from the site of the World War II Nazi camp in the southern Polish city of Oswiecim.
Polish police recovered the five-metre metal sign - which means "Work Will Set You Free" in German - two days after it went missing late last year. It had been chopped into three pieces.
Five Polish men were arrested and charged with the actual theft of the sign, three of whom have already been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
The two others are still to face trial.
In 1994, Hoegstroem founded the National Socialist Front, a Swedish neo-Nazi movement he ran for five years before quitting.
He told Swedish media he was to act as an intermediary to pick up the sign and sell it to a buyer, adding however that he informed Polish police about the people behind the plot.
ABC News
Anders Hoegstroem, who had risked up to 10 years behind bars if convicted in Poland of masterminding the theft, admitted his role before the case reached court, said a spokesman for the prosecutors' office in the city of Krakow.
"After having pleaded not guilty during the investigation, Hoegstroem admitted his guilt," prosecutor Robert Parys said.
"Under a plea bargain with prosecutors, he accepted a penalty of two years and eight months in prison. He will serve his sentence in Sweden."
Mr Hoegstroem was arrested in Sweden on a Polish warrant in February on suspicion of ordering the theft of the infamous "Arbeit macht frei" sign from the site of the World War II Nazi camp in the southern Polish city of Oswiecim.
Polish police recovered the five-metre metal sign - which means "Work Will Set You Free" in German - two days after it went missing late last year. It had been chopped into three pieces.
Five Polish men were arrested and charged with the actual theft of the sign, three of whom have already been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.
The two others are still to face trial.
In 1994, Hoegstroem founded the National Socialist Front, a Swedish neo-Nazi movement he ran for five years before quitting.
He told Swedish media he was to act as an intermediary to pick up the sign and sell it to a buyer, adding however that he informed Polish police about the people behind the plot.
ABC News
Nearly 150 people arrested in London hate-crime raids (UK)
Police have arrested 147 people across London in dawn raids to tackle domestic violence and hate crimes.
Suspects were arrested for offences ranging from violence and common assault to breach of court orders.
Raids took place on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.
They were part of the Metropolitan Police's (Met's) Operation Athena, where officers target suspected hate-crime offenders.
'Cowardly crimes'
While focusing on violence against women, the raids also targeted suspected racist, homophobic and disability motivated crime, as well as crimes against the vulnerable or elderly.
"We are taking a proactive approach in order to bring those responsible to justice and support the victims of these heinous crimes," said Det Supt Darren Williams, head of the Met's public protection unit.
"My key message to victims of these offences is tell us what is happening so we can help you but if you can't tell the police, tell someone."
London's deputy mayor for policing Kit Malthouse said: "There is no place in London for domestic violence and those arrested this morning found out first hand.
"I want to reassure Londoners that there is zero tolerance in the capital for these cowardly crimes and all perpetrators will be dealt with swiftly and severely."
BBC News
Suspects were arrested for offences ranging from violence and common assault to breach of court orders.
Raids took place on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, also known as White Ribbon Day.
They were part of the Metropolitan Police's (Met's) Operation Athena, where officers target suspected hate-crime offenders.
'Cowardly crimes'
While focusing on violence against women, the raids also targeted suspected racist, homophobic and disability motivated crime, as well as crimes against the vulnerable or elderly.
"We are taking a proactive approach in order to bring those responsible to justice and support the victims of these heinous crimes," said Det Supt Darren Williams, head of the Met's public protection unit.
"My key message to victims of these offences is tell us what is happening so we can help you but if you can't tell the police, tell someone."
London's deputy mayor for policing Kit Malthouse said: "There is no place in London for domestic violence and those arrested this morning found out first hand.
"I want to reassure Londoners that there is zero tolerance in the capital for these cowardly crimes and all perpetrators will be dealt with swiftly and severely."
BBC News
Teenage girl held over 'Koran burning' in Sandwell (UK)
The 15-year-old was questioned and bailed by detectives last Friday after the alleged incident at a school in the Sandwell area of the West Midlands.
She is alleged to have posted footage of the burning booklet on Facebook.
A 14-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of making threats on the social networking site, in connection with the alleged incident. He was released on bail, a spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said.
She added: "The local neighbourhood team have strong links with the school and have been working closely with key partners from the community and the local authority to resolve the matter locally.
"West Midlands Police will investigate and monitor any crime reported by individuals who may have been targeted because of their disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender."
Birmingham Mail
Another PVV MP reveals criminal record he kept secret (Netherlands)
Another MP for the anti-Islam PVV has criminal convictions he had not revealed to party leader Geert Wilders, it emerged on Wednesday evening.
Jhim Bemmel has a 2006 conviction for fraud, for forging freight documents. He was fined €500. He also has a drunk driving conviction in 2000.
The MP, who has had some of his parliamentary responsibilities removed by Wilders, said he did not come clean about his past because it was private.
In total, seven members of parliament have a criminal conviction, according to a survey by RTL news: five of the 24 PVV MPs have a record, one SP MP and one VVD MP. Most related to drunk driving or speeding.
Dutch News
Jhim Bemmel has a 2006 conviction for fraud, for forging freight documents. He was fined €500. He also has a drunk driving conviction in 2000.
The MP, who has had some of his parliamentary responsibilities removed by Wilders, said he did not come clean about his past because it was private.
In total, seven members of parliament have a criminal conviction, according to a survey by RTL news: five of the 24 PVV MPs have a record, one SP MP and one VVD MP. Most related to drunk driving or speeding.
Dutch News
More hate crime being reported in North Wales (UK)
Nearly 1,800 race hate crimes have been reported to North Wales Police in the past five years – with young people the worst offenders.
In all the force has dealt with more than 2,100 hate crime complaints in that period, from racially aggravated physical attacks to homophobic taunts.
Children as young as 10 were involved in the hate offences.
North Wales Police revealed of the 1,775 racially aggravated crimes reported since 2005, 641 were committed by youngsters aged between 10 and 19.
A further 387 offences were committed by people aged between 20 and 29.
Hate crimes are broken down into five categories including race and the Welsh language, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and transgender. A hate crime is one motivated by the offender's hatred of people because they are seen as different.
A Gwynedd kebab shop owner, who asked not to be named, said he was more likely to be racially abused by young people than anyone else: “They have no respect towards other people or themselves.”
An Asian man said last night: “It’s not as bad as it can be in other parts of Britain but it can spoil a night out to be racially abused for simply walking down the street.”
Figures show the number of racially aggravated incidents reported in the Wrexham area increasing during the past three years. Last year 109 incidents were reported, up from 91 in 2008 and 88 in 2007.
The 484 incidents reported in the area over five years are the highest for the North Wales Police force area with Conwy recording 415 incidents and Gwynedd 379.
But Gillian Grainger, Community Cohesion Coordinator at Wrexham Council, put the rise down to the proactive approach to hate crime taken in the county.
She said: “Victims are encouraged to report incidences of hate crime and receive the necessary support and guidance they may need.
“The projects are all part of a multi agency approach we are taking in the county borough that are showing positive results."
A North Wales Police spokesman added: “We are committed to the promotion of equality and diversity within the force and within the communities it serves.
“We have designated Diversity Officers to help and support victims of hate crimes and incidents and ensure the Force Hate Crime Policy and Divisional Hate Crime Protocols are fully applied in all Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes.
“Strenuous efforts have been made in recent years to increase reassurance and the level of care to victims of hate crime generally.”
Daily Post
In all the force has dealt with more than 2,100 hate crime complaints in that period, from racially aggravated physical attacks to homophobic taunts.
Children as young as 10 were involved in the hate offences.
North Wales Police revealed of the 1,775 racially aggravated crimes reported since 2005, 641 were committed by youngsters aged between 10 and 19.
A further 387 offences were committed by people aged between 20 and 29.
Hate crimes are broken down into five categories including race and the Welsh language, religion and belief, disability, sexual orientation and transgender. A hate crime is one motivated by the offender's hatred of people because they are seen as different.
A Gwynedd kebab shop owner, who asked not to be named, said he was more likely to be racially abused by young people than anyone else: “They have no respect towards other people or themselves.”
An Asian man said last night: “It’s not as bad as it can be in other parts of Britain but it can spoil a night out to be racially abused for simply walking down the street.”
Figures show the number of racially aggravated incidents reported in the Wrexham area increasing during the past three years. Last year 109 incidents were reported, up from 91 in 2008 and 88 in 2007.
The 484 incidents reported in the area over five years are the highest for the North Wales Police force area with Conwy recording 415 incidents and Gwynedd 379.
But Gillian Grainger, Community Cohesion Coordinator at Wrexham Council, put the rise down to the proactive approach to hate crime taken in the county.
She said: “Victims are encouraged to report incidences of hate crime and receive the necessary support and guidance they may need.
“The projects are all part of a multi agency approach we are taking in the county borough that are showing positive results."
A North Wales Police spokesman added: “We are committed to the promotion of equality and diversity within the force and within the communities it serves.
“We have designated Diversity Officers to help and support victims of hate crimes and incidents and ensure the Force Hate Crime Policy and Divisional Hate Crime Protocols are fully applied in all Hate Incidents and Hate Crimes.
“Strenuous efforts have been made in recent years to increase reassurance and the level of care to victims of hate crime generally.”
Daily Post
Portsmouth Muslim Academy target of hate crimes (UK)
A Muslim academy in Portsmouth has been the target of two hate crimes in the past fortnight, police have said.
In the first incident, a brick with a racist message on it was thrown into the Portsmouth Muslim Academy, on Old Commercial Road, on 13 November.
A beer bottle was then thrown through a window at the front of the building last Friday.
The city's Jami Mosque was also targeted twice in two days on 12 and 13 November.
The mosque was first attacked a day after an Islamic group, Muslims Against Crusades, burned remembrance poppies in London during a two-minute silence to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day.
Hate crime
A poppy was subsequently painted on the front of the mosque, on Victoria Road North in Southsea, and 100 people staged a demonstration outside.
The mosque's imam, Muhammad Muhi Uddin, said he had condemned the poppy burning and was mystified as to why the building had been targeted. One man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
Police said they were treating the incidents of criminal damage at the Portsmouth Muslim Academy as hate crimes.
Insp Fiona Quade, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "My officers regularly conduct patrols in the area around Old Commercial Road, but if you saw what happened, could identify a suspect or know who did this, please get in touch.
"We've already got an investigation ongoing into the disorder at demonstrations outside the Jami Mosque."
BBC News
In the first incident, a brick with a racist message on it was thrown into the Portsmouth Muslim Academy, on Old Commercial Road, on 13 November.
A beer bottle was then thrown through a window at the front of the building last Friday.
The city's Jami Mosque was also targeted twice in two days on 12 and 13 November.
The mosque was first attacked a day after an Islamic group, Muslims Against Crusades, burned remembrance poppies in London during a two-minute silence to mark the anniversary of Armistice Day.
Hate crime
A poppy was subsequently painted on the front of the mosque, on Victoria Road North in Southsea, and 100 people staged a demonstration outside.
The mosque's imam, Muhammad Muhi Uddin, said he had condemned the poppy burning and was mystified as to why the building had been targeted. One man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.
Police said they were treating the incidents of criminal damage at the Portsmouth Muslim Academy as hate crimes.
Insp Fiona Quade, of Hampshire Constabulary, said: "My officers regularly conduct patrols in the area around Old Commercial Road, but if you saw what happened, could identify a suspect or know who did this, please get in touch.
"We've already got an investigation ongoing into the disorder at demonstrations outside the Jami Mosque."
BBC News
The EDL are not the defenders of Britain, and they never will be.
A recent video by the You Tube member Richard Coughlan about the poppy burning Muslims extremists at this year Remembrance Day service is so good that we felt we really had to share it.
Please support Richard Coughlan and subscribe to his channel’s. Coughlan616
Key panto hit as EDL protest forces show switch
Hundreds of panto fans have been left disappointed after the Key Theatre revealed it would close on the day of the city’s controversial English Defence League march.
Theatre operators Vivacity announced yesterday that the 1.15pm, 4pm and 7pm performances of Jack and the Beanstalk on December 11 will be moved to December 12.
The closure is due to the EDL march, which will pass near the theatre as it moves from London Road to Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, in Bridge Street, between 1pm and 3pm.
Vivacity chief executive Kevin Tighe said: “We felt it was in the best interests of all concerned to cancel the performances and close the theatre on this date.
“We are sorry for any disruption caused to our customers’ pre-Christmas plans. This has been a very difficult decision to make but the welfare of our customers has to be the priority at all times.”
The march has already caused Peterborough United to bring its home match against Rochdale at London Road forward to December 10 to avoid a clash.
Some shopkeepers in the Rivergate Shopping Centre are considering shutting their doors on the day.
The Key Theatre closure means the Peterborough Trades Union Council (TUC) can finish its anti-EDL counter march in the theatre car park.
An estimated 2,000 TUC marchers – including members of Unite Against Fascism – are expected and will leave the Bishop’s Road car park, walk along Rivergate and arrive at the theatre as the EDL marchers head into Bridge Street - meaning the rival protesters will be just 100 yards away from each other.
But the TUC has dispelled fears that their protest will increase the risk of violence.
Peterborough TUC president Ron Graves, said: “We are not looking for a fight. We are marching peacefully to promote unity. We don’t want the EDL here, but we won’t be antagonistic.
““It will be properly marshalled by stewards.
“We felt that this route would create the least disruption.”
The TUC expects representatatives from all the major unions to be involved in its march, as well as local faith groups.
The TUC march is being promoted as a unity event to bring different cultures together.
The route for the march was finally agreed after a meeting between the TUC, Cambridgeshire police and Peterborough City Council.
Superintendent Paul Fullwood said: “We have a duty to support and facilitate people’s right to peaceful protest, whilst balancing this with the rights of those who want to go about their business.”
All theatre tickets for Saturday will be transferred to Sunday and arrangements will be made for those who cannot attend on Sunday.
To confirm attendance on the Sunday, call the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239 by December 4.
Peterborough Today
Theatre operators Vivacity announced yesterday that the 1.15pm, 4pm and 7pm performances of Jack and the Beanstalk on December 11 will be moved to December 12.
The closure is due to the EDL march, which will pass near the theatre as it moves from London Road to Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, in Bridge Street, between 1pm and 3pm.
Vivacity chief executive Kevin Tighe said: “We felt it was in the best interests of all concerned to cancel the performances and close the theatre on this date.
“We are sorry for any disruption caused to our customers’ pre-Christmas plans. This has been a very difficult decision to make but the welfare of our customers has to be the priority at all times.”
The march has already caused Peterborough United to bring its home match against Rochdale at London Road forward to December 10 to avoid a clash.
Some shopkeepers in the Rivergate Shopping Centre are considering shutting their doors on the day.
The Key Theatre closure means the Peterborough Trades Union Council (TUC) can finish its anti-EDL counter march in the theatre car park.
An estimated 2,000 TUC marchers – including members of Unite Against Fascism – are expected and will leave the Bishop’s Road car park, walk along Rivergate and arrive at the theatre as the EDL marchers head into Bridge Street - meaning the rival protesters will be just 100 yards away from each other.
But the TUC has dispelled fears that their protest will increase the risk of violence.
Peterborough TUC president Ron Graves, said: “We are not looking for a fight. We are marching peacefully to promote unity. We don’t want the EDL here, but we won’t be antagonistic.
““It will be properly marshalled by stewards.
“We felt that this route would create the least disruption.”
The TUC expects representatatives from all the major unions to be involved in its march, as well as local faith groups.
The TUC march is being promoted as a unity event to bring different cultures together.
The route for the march was finally agreed after a meeting between the TUC, Cambridgeshire police and Peterborough City Council.
Superintendent Paul Fullwood said: “We have a duty to support and facilitate people’s right to peaceful protest, whilst balancing this with the rights of those who want to go about their business.”
All theatre tickets for Saturday will be transferred to Sunday and arrangements will be made for those who cannot attend on Sunday.
To confirm attendance on the Sunday, call the Key Theatre box office on 01733 207239 by December 4.
Peterborough Today
MEP's Simonstone home targeted by far-right extremists (UK)
An East Lancashire Euro MP has hired a private security firm to guard his home because of threats from far-right extremists.
Sajjad Karim has been bombarded with offence emails over his stance on halal and kosher meat.
Mr Karim’s Simonstone home has also had ‘BNP’ daubed on it in graffiti.
He said he was worried about the safety of his wife and two children, aged eight and 10, while he is away in Europe.
He said he had paid for a private security firm to watch over his house 24 hours a day.
A British National Party spokesman ‘utterly condemned’ any threats, saying the issue had also been raised in the mainstream media.
Police are investigating an allegation of racist abuse by email.
Mr Karim, who represents the North West in the European Parliament, blamed BNP supporters for the onslaught, claiming the threats had come shortly after the far-right party published an article criticising him on its website.
Mr Karim, who opposed an EU proposal that would require all ritually-slaughtered meat to be labelled, said there had been an ‘orchestrated’ campaign against him.
He said: “There are perfectly legitimate arguments on both sides of the debate. But it is being hijacked and they are trying to frighten me.
“We have lived here for 11 years and never had anything like this. This is their way of saying ‘we know you are here’.
“The police are providing the best level of protection they can, but when it comes to these people I am not going to take any chances.”
Lancashire Police said it was investigating the messages and would meet the MEP this week.
John Walker, a spokesman for the BNP, said the party was campaigning on the issue of ritually slaughtered meat, which he said was ‘barbaric’. But he distanced the party from any threats, saying the BNP was being ‘demonised’.
He added: “This is a common tactic of political opponents to claim they have been intimidated.”
Lancashire Telegraph
Sajjad Karim has been bombarded with offence emails over his stance on halal and kosher meat.
Mr Karim’s Simonstone home has also had ‘BNP’ daubed on it in graffiti.
He said he was worried about the safety of his wife and two children, aged eight and 10, while he is away in Europe.
He said he had paid for a private security firm to watch over his house 24 hours a day.
A British National Party spokesman ‘utterly condemned’ any threats, saying the issue had also been raised in the mainstream media.
Police are investigating an allegation of racist abuse by email.
Mr Karim, who represents the North West in the European Parliament, blamed BNP supporters for the onslaught, claiming the threats had come shortly after the far-right party published an article criticising him on its website.
Mr Karim, who opposed an EU proposal that would require all ritually-slaughtered meat to be labelled, said there had been an ‘orchestrated’ campaign against him.
He said: “There are perfectly legitimate arguments on both sides of the debate. But it is being hijacked and they are trying to frighten me.
“We have lived here for 11 years and never had anything like this. This is their way of saying ‘we know you are here’.
“The police are providing the best level of protection they can, but when it comes to these people I am not going to take any chances.”
Lancashire Police said it was investigating the messages and would meet the MEP this week.
John Walker, a spokesman for the BNP, said the party was campaigning on the issue of ritually slaughtered meat, which he said was ‘barbaric’. But he distanced the party from any threats, saying the BNP was being ‘demonised’.
He added: “This is a common tactic of political opponents to claim they have been intimidated.”
Lancashire Telegraph
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