Federal prosecutors have charged Emerson Begolly, the Nazi uniform wearing Pennsylvania man being held for allegedly biting an FBI agent who tried to question him about his activity on jihadist websites, with inciting violent attacks in the United States.
An indictment announced on Thursday by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia charges that Begolly used an extremist web forum to solicited others to engage in acts of terrorism and disseminated instructions for making different kinds of explosives that could be used in terrorist attacks.
Begolly allegedly suggested attacks on "civilian planes, financial institutions, military installations, Jewish schools, and daycare centers," according to the indictment.
While transcripts of some of Begolly's alleged writings had been filed in federal court in Pennsylvania when prosecutors were convincing a judge not to release him on bail, the new indictment marked the first time he was charged directly with a terrorism-related charge.
According to the writings, Begolly blamed a pedophile minister on his hatred of America and joked that someone at the FBI must have been "drunk" when he was allowed to buy an AK-47.
The new indictment quotes a post allegedly written by Begolly in which he brags about how easy it was for him to get a weapon even though he was on the terrorist watch list.
"Dear brothers and sisters, I have solid PROOF that one can legally purchase a firearm in America even if this person IS on the 'terror watch' list, just so long as they are not a convicted felon and are a US citizen over 18!" he allegedly wrote on Nov. 24, 2010. "My advice: As long as you still can, take advantage of this and MOVE... MOVE... MOVE...!!"
Begolly was first arrested in a Burger King parking lot after he allegedly reached for a gun in his pocket and bit two FBI agents questioning him about his online habits.
His lawyers and members of his family have said he has Asperger's syndrome, a disorder in the autism spectrum characterized by difficulties with social interaction. Begolly's mother told FBI agents he had been off his medication for two years, according to an FBI agent's testimony earlier this year.
TPM
Friday, 15 July 2011
Ex-prisoner asks taxpayers to fund 'skinhead' tattoo removal (New Zeland)
Carl Nathaniel Drewett, 28, who first adopted white supremacist beliefs at age 13, says he cannot afford the $2500 removal treatment but will contribute what he can.
Drewett got the tattoo, which takes up most of his forehead, while in prison five years ago. He now regrets his decision.
“I didn’t really take into consideration how the community was going to look at me when I got out. That was irrelevant, that wasn’t my life, prison was my life,” he told the New Zealand Herald.
Drewett has an extensive criminal record and was convicted last Friday at Rangiora District Court on a charge of intentionally injuring a man and two charges of drunk driving causing injury.
He will serve one year on home detention and has been disqualified from driving for a year and a day.
He says he no longer identifies with white supremacy and plans to study business while on home detention.
“Once this tattoo is off, many doors will open. I won’t be judged as some dodgy loser criminal. In terms of employment it would help a lot,” he told the NZ Herald.
3 News
Russian Neo-Nazi Firebomb Synagogue(Russia)
Neo-Nazis firebombed a synagogue near Moscow Tuesday less than 24 hours after members of the banned group were sentenced to jail. No one was hurt in the midnight firebombing of the Darchei Shalom synagogue, whose walls sustained damage. Police believe the attack was an anti-Semitic response to the sentencing of members of the banned neo-Nazi National-Socialist Society, the European Jewish Press reported. A Russian court sentenced members to prison terms of up to 10 years for 27 hate killings, attempted murders and a plot to blow up a electricity power plant. The defendants entered the court while yelling out anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi chants. Russia’s chief rabbi Adolf Shaevich responded to the attack, “We have a paradox now. There are many more believers in the country than before, but the spiritual and moral climate has not improved in any way. It is very sad when young people do such things.
There could have been people inside, there might have been victims.” Two teenagers are suspected of having attacked the synagogue. The Federation of Russia’s Jewish Communities called on law enforcement bodies to view the incident not simply as hooliganism but as an attempt to ignite inter-ethnic hatred. “Such incidents make it clear that crimes committed on national or religious grounds are propaganda in action.
We are concerned by the fact that the Moscow authorities qualify such acts as hooliganism,” claims the organization’s statement as quoted by RIA Novosti. “In any case, it is an act looking to provoke religious hatred. The aim of such acts is to intimidate people, to weaken the eagerness of society to fight nationalism and extremism.”
Israel national news
There could have been people inside, there might have been victims.” Two teenagers are suspected of having attacked the synagogue. The Federation of Russia’s Jewish Communities called on law enforcement bodies to view the incident not simply as hooliganism but as an attempt to ignite inter-ethnic hatred. “Such incidents make it clear that crimes committed on national or religious grounds are propaganda in action.
We are concerned by the fact that the Moscow authorities qualify such acts as hooliganism,” claims the organization’s statement as quoted by RIA Novosti. “In any case, it is an act looking to provoke religious hatred. The aim of such acts is to intimidate people, to weaken the eagerness of society to fight nationalism and extremism.”
Israel national news
EDL and Asians brawled on Blackburn football pitches (UK)
Police were drafted in after an English Defence League football match was organised on a pitch normally used by Asian youths.
Blackburn magistrates heard shortly after the EDL game, involving 20 to 25 white males, started, about 30 Asian males arrived at the concrete pitches in Queens Park.
The two groups were playing on adjoining pitches but tempers flared and words were exchanged when the ball from the Asian game went over to the other side.
Nicholas John Smyth, 26, of Sherwood Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using racially-aggravated threatening behaviour.
He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Joanne Close, prosecuting, said during the football matches there was an altercation between Smyth and one of the Asian men.
When the EDL game finished, they congregated near the fence separating the two pitches and Smyth started shouting at the Asian male to “come and sort it out”.
Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Smyth had gone to play football with a few friends.
He realised there were members of the EDL there, although he was not a member of the organisation.
Mr Taylor said when the Asian males arrived they tried to take over both pitches, which led to tension.
“It seems that normally this area is exclusively used by Asians,” said Mr Taylor.
“Words were exchanged when the Asian males tried to get on the pitch where the white males were playing.
“My client heard racist comments coming from the Asian males and he accepts that he responded.
“He says he can’t understand why the police officers seemed unable to hear the comments coming from the other side.”
Blackburn citizen
Blackburn magistrates heard shortly after the EDL game, involving 20 to 25 white males, started, about 30 Asian males arrived at the concrete pitches in Queens Park.
The two groups were playing on adjoining pitches but tempers flared and words were exchanged when the ball from the Asian game went over to the other side.
Nicholas John Smyth, 26, of Sherwood Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using racially-aggravated threatening behaviour.
He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.
Joanne Close, prosecuting, said during the football matches there was an altercation between Smyth and one of the Asian men.
When the EDL game finished, they congregated near the fence separating the two pitches and Smyth started shouting at the Asian male to “come and sort it out”.
Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Smyth had gone to play football with a few friends.
He realised there were members of the EDL there, although he was not a member of the organisation.
Mr Taylor said when the Asian males arrived they tried to take over both pitches, which led to tension.
“It seems that normally this area is exclusively used by Asians,” said Mr Taylor.
“Words were exchanged when the Asian males tried to get on the pitch where the white males were playing.
“My client heard racist comments coming from the Asian males and he accepts that he responded.
“He says he can’t understand why the police officers seemed unable to hear the comments coming from the other side.”
Blackburn citizen
Police Increase Presence in Portsmouth as the English Defence League Plans Demonstration (UK)
Police from across the two counties will be in Portsmouth this weekend to help facilitate peaceful protest by members of the English Defence League.
Officers will be on duty in the city centre on the morning of the event on the 16th July to minimise disruption to the community and shoppers.
Superintendent Rick Burrows said: "Those still coming into Portsmouth should be aware that there will be more police around than usual to ensure peace is kept throughout the day, and whilst there will be traffic congestion, we will work to minimise the impact on your day.
"Edinburgh Road will be closed from 10am until about 3pm and the main traffic congestion will occur around this area, the Guildhall Square and Gunwharf Quays area between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
"It is also worth bearing in mind that Portsmouth are playing Chelsea at home from 3pm and this will increase the chances of traffic congestion around the routes to Fratton Park.
"We are continuing to engage with all parties involved in this protest event, and we have planned extensively to have the appropriate resources on duty throughout the day to ensure that any protest does not have an adverse impact on local communities.
"Our message to those planning on coming to Portsmouth to protest is that you will be welcomed; we will facilitate your lawful protest, but we have to bear in mind the interest and needs of the wider community and, in doing so, we may ask you to abide by certain conditions.
"We expect all people taking part in the protest to do so peacefully and legitimately, but anyone intent on coming to engage in a confrontation or disorder will be robustly dealt with. "We will be looking to protesters to self-police, and to work with us to ensure this protest is peaceful.
"We are grateful to Portsmouth City Council for its continued support and involvement, and look forward to a safe event that leaves no negative legacy for the communities of Portsmouth."
Any member of the local community with concerns or intelligence about this event is invited to contact Inspector Greg Moore by dialling 101, or via e-mail at: Gregory.moore@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
The very latest information for media and the public will be available via the constabulary's Twitter account, follow @HantsPolice, and on the force website special events page: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/EDL_Demonstration.htm
Aboutmyarea.co.uk
Officers will be on duty in the city centre on the morning of the event on the 16th July to minimise disruption to the community and shoppers.
Superintendent Rick Burrows said: "Those still coming into Portsmouth should be aware that there will be more police around than usual to ensure peace is kept throughout the day, and whilst there will be traffic congestion, we will work to minimise the impact on your day.
"Edinburgh Road will be closed from 10am until about 3pm and the main traffic congestion will occur around this area, the Guildhall Square and Gunwharf Quays area between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
"It is also worth bearing in mind that Portsmouth are playing Chelsea at home from 3pm and this will increase the chances of traffic congestion around the routes to Fratton Park.
"We are continuing to engage with all parties involved in this protest event, and we have planned extensively to have the appropriate resources on duty throughout the day to ensure that any protest does not have an adverse impact on local communities.
"Our message to those planning on coming to Portsmouth to protest is that you will be welcomed; we will facilitate your lawful protest, but we have to bear in mind the interest and needs of the wider community and, in doing so, we may ask you to abide by certain conditions.
"We expect all people taking part in the protest to do so peacefully and legitimately, but anyone intent on coming to engage in a confrontation or disorder will be robustly dealt with. "We will be looking to protesters to self-police, and to work with us to ensure this protest is peaceful.
"We are grateful to Portsmouth City Council for its continued support and involvement, and look forward to a safe event that leaves no negative legacy for the communities of Portsmouth."
Any member of the local community with concerns or intelligence about this event is invited to contact Inspector Greg Moore by dialling 101, or via e-mail at: Gregory.moore@hampshire.pnn.police.uk
The very latest information for media and the public will be available via the constabulary's Twitter account, follow @HantsPolice, and on the force website special events page: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/news/EDL_Demonstration.htm
Aboutmyarea.co.uk
Teachers must 'uphold British values' to work in schools (UK)
Teachers face being barred from the classroom for failing to uphold “British values” and proper discipline under rigorous new professional standards for schools.
For the first time, staff are told they could be struck off for showing intolerance towards pupils with other faiths and beliefs.
Teachers in England are warned against staging lessons that undermine “fundamental” values such as the rule of law, democracy and individual liberty.
The move is designed to make it easier for heads to sack teachers who are members of the British National Party or those with extremist Islamic beliefs.
It follows comments from Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, that membership of far-right groups was incompatible with the duty to “shape young minds”.
Under new guidelines, staff will also be told to take responsibility for promoting “good and courteous behaviour” among children in lessons and around the school.
In a further move, the standards – being introduced in 2012 – place a renewed emphasis on teachers’ subject knowledge, suggesting staff should uphold high standards of “literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English” at all times.
It represents an attempt to establish clear boundaries for staff in all state schools and weed out poor teachers failing to achieve basic skill-levels.
The slimmed-down rules focus on just eight key areas of teaching – and one section focusing on personal and professional conduct – as opposed to more than 100 separate standards introduced by Labour.
Mr Gove insisted the previous system placed a premium on “bland statements and platitudes”, covering areas such as communicating with colleagues, promoting wellbeing and establishing a safe learning environment.
The new standards will have “real teeth”, he said, adding: “They set clear expectations about the skills that every teacher in our schools should demonstrate. They will make a significant improvement to teaching by ensuring teachers can focus on the skills that matter most.”
Just 1.5 per cent of student teachers fail to satisfy the current standards during training and fewer than 20 teachers have been struck off in the last decade for incompetence.
New standards – covering just four pages – set out the key skills that each trainee must satisfy to win qualified teacher status and then remain in the classroom.
As part of the new guidelines, staff must set high expectations of pupils, demonstrate good subject knowledge, plan and teach well-structured lessons, promote good progress among pupils, adapt their teaching to children’s different needs, make good use of assessment, manage behaviour and fulfil their wider responsibilities to school life.
Under behaviour, teachers are told to establish “clear rules and routines” and promote “good and courteous” manners among pupils. The section on subject knowledge says staff must have decent standards of written English – whatever the teacher’s subject specialism.
Beyond teaching, the guidance says staff "must not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs".
It comes after a teacher and BNP member was cleared of religious intolerance last year by the General Teaching Council - the profession's regulatory body - despite using a school laptop to describe some immigrants as "filth" on a website.
The National Association of Head Teachers welcomed the document, saying the standards were “clear, concise and relevant”.
But Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers’ union, said the rules underline “the punitive mind set this Coalition has towards teachers”.
“The new standards are vague, poorly drafted, lack clarity, are open to wide interpretation, will breed confusion and uncertainty and will simply serve as a stick with which to beat teachers,” she said.
Telegraph
For the first time, staff are told they could be struck off for showing intolerance towards pupils with other faiths and beliefs.
Teachers in England are warned against staging lessons that undermine “fundamental” values such as the rule of law, democracy and individual liberty.
The move is designed to make it easier for heads to sack teachers who are members of the British National Party or those with extremist Islamic beliefs.
It follows comments from Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, that membership of far-right groups was incompatible with the duty to “shape young minds”.
Under new guidelines, staff will also be told to take responsibility for promoting “good and courteous behaviour” among children in lessons and around the school.
In a further move, the standards – being introduced in 2012 – place a renewed emphasis on teachers’ subject knowledge, suggesting staff should uphold high standards of “literacy, articulacy and the correct use of standard English” at all times.
It represents an attempt to establish clear boundaries for staff in all state schools and weed out poor teachers failing to achieve basic skill-levels.
The slimmed-down rules focus on just eight key areas of teaching – and one section focusing on personal and professional conduct – as opposed to more than 100 separate standards introduced by Labour.
Mr Gove insisted the previous system placed a premium on “bland statements and platitudes”, covering areas such as communicating with colleagues, promoting wellbeing and establishing a safe learning environment.
The new standards will have “real teeth”, he said, adding: “They set clear expectations about the skills that every teacher in our schools should demonstrate. They will make a significant improvement to teaching by ensuring teachers can focus on the skills that matter most.”
Just 1.5 per cent of student teachers fail to satisfy the current standards during training and fewer than 20 teachers have been struck off in the last decade for incompetence.
New standards – covering just four pages – set out the key skills that each trainee must satisfy to win qualified teacher status and then remain in the classroom.
As part of the new guidelines, staff must set high expectations of pupils, demonstrate good subject knowledge, plan and teach well-structured lessons, promote good progress among pupils, adapt their teaching to children’s different needs, make good use of assessment, manage behaviour and fulfil their wider responsibilities to school life.
Under behaviour, teachers are told to establish “clear rules and routines” and promote “good and courteous” manners among pupils. The section on subject knowledge says staff must have decent standards of written English – whatever the teacher’s subject specialism.
Beyond teaching, the guidance says staff "must not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs".
It comes after a teacher and BNP member was cleared of religious intolerance last year by the General Teaching Council - the profession's regulatory body - despite using a school laptop to describe some immigrants as "filth" on a website.
The National Association of Head Teachers welcomed the document, saying the standards were “clear, concise and relevant”.
But Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teachers’ union, said the rules underline “the punitive mind set this Coalition has towards teachers”.
“The new standards are vague, poorly drafted, lack clarity, are open to wide interpretation, will breed confusion and uncertainty and will simply serve as a stick with which to beat teachers,” she said.
Telegraph
BNP urges nationalist 'fight' on Twitter (UK)
The British National Party has encouraged its members to use social media outlets like Twitter to promote its messages, leading to concern from anti-extremist campaigners.
In a newsletter entitled Adam's Operation Fightback, the BNP said supporters should not be afraid to use hashtags like #nationalist and #BNP when talking about news issues, and that they should "jump on trending topics and turn them into a nationalist discussion".
The party urged followers to get their friends "involved in the fight for our people" by sharing links to articles and campaigns, and asking others to "take action and retweet".
The newsletter said Twitter could be used every day to keep people "updated on the latest campaign to win our country back".
And on Facebook it recommended that members should post a pro-nationalist quote to inspire friends to take action.
Reacting, a spokesman for anti-extremist campaign group Searchlight told Publicservice.co.uk that the BNP and extremist groups had used social media for sometime, something which did raise concerns.
But he added that social media was a valuable intelligence tool for monitoring political extremism, and that comments on sites like Twitter could "help to highlight the true face of the BNP".
Public Service UK
In a newsletter entitled Adam's Operation Fightback, the BNP said supporters should not be afraid to use hashtags like #nationalist and #BNP when talking about news issues, and that they should "jump on trending topics and turn them into a nationalist discussion".
The party urged followers to get their friends "involved in the fight for our people" by sharing links to articles and campaigns, and asking others to "take action and retweet".
The newsletter said Twitter could be used every day to keep people "updated on the latest campaign to win our country back".
And on Facebook it recommended that members should post a pro-nationalist quote to inspire friends to take action.
Reacting, a spokesman for anti-extremist campaign group Searchlight told Publicservice.co.uk that the BNP and extremist groups had used social media for sometime, something which did raise concerns.
But he added that social media was a valuable intelligence tool for monitoring political extremism, and that comments on sites like Twitter could "help to highlight the true face of the BNP".
Public Service UK
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Social media game aims to end extremism
The man behind the project, Suleiman Bakhit, hopes that Happy Oasis can create positive role models for children who might otherwise be enticed by extremist views.
The game launched this week and has already attracted 50,000 followers.
Newly appointed TED fellow Mr Bakhit spoke about his project at the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh.
Mr Bakhit, who comes from Jordan, was a student at the US University of Minnesota when the 9/11 attacks took place. Shortly afterwards he was attacked by four men because he was an Arab.
Magic carpet
Instead of feeling bitter, Mr Bakhit decided to engage in an education campaign.
"I realised that you fight extremism by starting with the young. The message was simple - 'We are not all terrorists'," he told the BBC.
Armed with a not-so-magic carpet, he began telling Aladdin-style stories in local schools.
"One day a child asked me if there was an Arab superman and I realised that there wasn't," he said.
So began his comic-book project which aimed to create a range of positive Arab role-models, including a female James Bond and a Jordanian special agent who fights extremists.
In Jordan, Mr Bakhit has sold 300,000 copies of his comics and came to realise that there was a market for a web-based version.
"Print media is dying but there are 30 million Arabs on Facebook so I thought about making social games with the same message," he said.
Mr Bakhit wanted to make sure that his characters related to the children he was aiming to reach.
"I took a peer-to-peer approach, engaging kids to get their ideas," he said.
He was undecided about whether to include a character dressed in a burka until he showed the animated character to a focus group.
"They loved the idea so she was in," he said.
The first game featured special agent Element O and while it was, in Mr Bakhit's words "not very good", it did show him the potential of such a project.
"Fans were discussing the games in the forums and arguing about politics. I went on as Element O and the arguments immediately stopped," he said.
Mr Bakhit said he now hopes to take his comic book model to Pakistan, where extremism is a growing problem.
BBC News
Stepmom in Calif. neo-Nazi case pleads not guilty (USA)
The stepmother of a 10-year-old California boy charged with murdering his white supremacist father has pleaded not guilty to child endangerment.
Krista McCary also pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Superior Court to four charges of criminal storage of a gun. She was charged after her neo-Nazi husband Jeff Hall was shot to death in their home on May 1.
Authorities say the eldest of Hall's five children took his parents' gun off a shelf and shot his father in the ear while he was sleeping.
Hall was a regional leader of the National Socialist Movement who led rallies at a day labor site and synagogue.
McCary's public defender, Judith Gweon, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Forbes
Krista McCary also pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Superior Court to four charges of criminal storage of a gun. She was charged after her neo-Nazi husband Jeff Hall was shot to death in their home on May 1.
Authorities say the eldest of Hall's five children took his parents' gun off a shelf and shot his father in the ear while he was sleeping.
Hall was a regional leader of the National Socialist Movement who led rallies at a day labor site and synagogue.
McCary's public defender, Judith Gweon, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
Forbes
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Did you snap the EDL demo? Plea by police for your pictures (UK)
Police are asking the public for their pictures and video of violence that erupted when the English Defence League descended on Halifax at the weekend.
Divisional commander for Calderdale Chief Superintendent Chris Hardern says they are investigating a clash between some of the far-right group and counter-demonstrators at King Cross and the break-out of EDL members from the Eureka car park.
He urged residents who saw what happened, have footage or photographs, or who witnessed any other trouble, to get in touch.
Calderdale councillor Faisal Shoukat (Lab, Park) says he was assaulted after EDL supporters turned up at the counter-demonstration .
He said he was speaking to organisers of the counter-protest as they were setting up when EDL supporters turned up and started damaging the gazebo and speakers.
“They started shouting racist abuse and opening up a banner with racist remarks on it and they chanted ‘‘EDL’.” he said.
He suffered bruising to the back of his head and kidney area.
He said one of the EDL members was filming the incident.
Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of assault against a man during the King Cross disturbance.
The EDL had been told they could hold their protest in the Eureka car park, and the museum shut for the day because of the demonstration, but some of the group came intent on marching on the town’s streets.
Coaches are believed to have let some off in Sowerby Bridge, from where some marched into Halifax and others took buses into King Cross and the park opposite the William IV pub where the counter-demo was planned.
Police marched the protesters into the Eureka car park where the mob hurled glass bottles at police, shouted anti-Islamic chants and “Let’s go mental” before breaking fencing to get out of the car park and onto the Eureka grounds.
Officers donned riot gear and escorted the EDL supporters to coaches and the rail station and out of Halifax.
Chf Supt Hardern repeated the force’s thanks to members of the public for supporting officers’ efforts to keep disruption to a minimum.
“We want to thank the communities of Halifax and the rest of Calderdale for their patience, tolerance and understanding,” he said.
He added his thanks to officers for the courage they showed on Saturday, especially the ones who had to deal with the ones who broke out of the car park.
And he wants to thank partner agencies who police have been working with in the lead up to the event.
Anyone who can help the police should call 0845 6060606 or CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Halifax Courier
Divisional commander for Calderdale Chief Superintendent Chris Hardern says they are investigating a clash between some of the far-right group and counter-demonstrators at King Cross and the break-out of EDL members from the Eureka car park.
He urged residents who saw what happened, have footage or photographs, or who witnessed any other trouble, to get in touch.
Calderdale councillor Faisal Shoukat (Lab, Park) says he was assaulted after EDL supporters turned up at the counter-demonstration .
He said he was speaking to organisers of the counter-protest as they were setting up when EDL supporters turned up and started damaging the gazebo and speakers.
“They started shouting racist abuse and opening up a banner with racist remarks on it and they chanted ‘‘EDL’.” he said.
He suffered bruising to the back of his head and kidney area.
He said one of the EDL members was filming the incident.
Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of assault against a man during the King Cross disturbance.
The EDL had been told they could hold their protest in the Eureka car park, and the museum shut for the day because of the demonstration, but some of the group came intent on marching on the town’s streets.
Coaches are believed to have let some off in Sowerby Bridge, from where some marched into Halifax and others took buses into King Cross and the park opposite the William IV pub where the counter-demo was planned.
Police marched the protesters into the Eureka car park where the mob hurled glass bottles at police, shouted anti-Islamic chants and “Let’s go mental” before breaking fencing to get out of the car park and onto the Eureka grounds.
Officers donned riot gear and escorted the EDL supporters to coaches and the rail station and out of Halifax.
Chf Supt Hardern repeated the force’s thanks to members of the public for supporting officers’ efforts to keep disruption to a minimum.
“We want to thank the communities of Halifax and the rest of Calderdale for their patience, tolerance and understanding,” he said.
He added his thanks to officers for the courage they showed on Saturday, especially the ones who had to deal with the ones who broke out of the car park.
And he wants to thank partner agencies who police have been working with in the lead up to the event.
Anyone who can help the police should call 0845 6060606 or CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Halifax Courier
Russian nationalists given life for 27 racist murders
The ringleader was among the five men given life sentences for the 2007-08 killing spree in and around Moscow, which targeted people from Russia's mainly Muslim North Caucasus and from ex-Soviet Central Asia.
Standing in a glass box, the group shared jokes and attempted Nazi salutes in handcuffs before their sentencing in the Moscow Military District Court, state TV showed.
Eight members of the gang, including one young woman, were given terms of between eight and 25 years behind bars, Russian media reported.
Neo-nationalist groups have been increasing in number in Russia, and violent clashes in the capital between Muslims and ethnic Slavs have raised concerns authorities will be unable to keep order ahead of March 2012 elections.
Over the last two years, a judge and a lawyer who fought against neo-nationalists, Eduard Chuvashov and Stanislav Markelov, were shot and killed in attacks officials connected to their work.
Rights workers say the Russian government's lenient attitude to the far right allows racism to flourish in Russia, which is home to some 20 million Muslims, a seventh of the population.
Many migrants from the impoverished North Caucasus, where an Islamist insurgency is raging, come to the Russian heartland for menial work. They say they are often treated with suspicion by ethnic Russians and many face racism.
Those convicted on Monday belong to the far-right Nationalist Socialist Society, which was outlawed in February and whose logo is a red and black stylised swastika.
The group's leader Lev Molotkov pleaded not guilty, and the defence plans to appeal against the length of the sentences, Russian media reported.
After being convicted, some of the nationalists shouted: "Our conscience is above your laws, we'll be back!" Interfax news agency reported.
They were also found guilty of attempted terrorism, creating and participating in extremism and inciting racial hatred.
Reuters
Standing in a glass box, the group shared jokes and attempted Nazi salutes in handcuffs before their sentencing in the Moscow Military District Court, state TV showed.
Eight members of the gang, including one young woman, were given terms of between eight and 25 years behind bars, Russian media reported.
Neo-nationalist groups have been increasing in number in Russia, and violent clashes in the capital between Muslims and ethnic Slavs have raised concerns authorities will be unable to keep order ahead of March 2012 elections.
Over the last two years, a judge and a lawyer who fought against neo-nationalists, Eduard Chuvashov and Stanislav Markelov, were shot and killed in attacks officials connected to their work.
Rights workers say the Russian government's lenient attitude to the far right allows racism to flourish in Russia, which is home to some 20 million Muslims, a seventh of the population.
Many migrants from the impoverished North Caucasus, where an Islamist insurgency is raging, come to the Russian heartland for menial work. They say they are often treated with suspicion by ethnic Russians and many face racism.
Those convicted on Monday belong to the far-right Nationalist Socialist Society, which was outlawed in February and whose logo is a red and black stylised swastika.
The group's leader Lev Molotkov pleaded not guilty, and the defence plans to appeal against the length of the sentences, Russian media reported.
After being convicted, some of the nationalists shouted: "Our conscience is above your laws, we'll be back!" Interfax news agency reported.
They were also found guilty of attempted terrorism, creating and participating in extremism and inciting racial hatred.
Reuters
Monday, 11 July 2011
Arson attack in Býchory, Czech Republic: Group of attackers shouted racist slogans
Today in the early morning hours in Býchory, Kolín district, an unidentified perpetrator threw a flaming torch into a Romani home. None of the victims suffered physical injury. Police suspect racial motivation.
"At 12:30 AM a group of people walked around the Romani home shouting racist slogans. One of them then threw a flaming, wrapped stick, resembling a torch, into the house. The family put out the fire themselves. Fortunately no one was injured and the damage is estimated at about CZK 100," Soňa Budská, spokesperson for the Central Bohemian Regional Police, told news server Romea.cz. The regional police are taking over the investigation and will pursue it as attempted grievous bodily harm.
Romea
"At 12:30 AM a group of people walked around the Romani home shouting racist slogans. One of them then threw a flaming, wrapped stick, resembling a torch, into the house. The family put out the fire themselves. Fortunately no one was injured and the damage is estimated at about CZK 100," Soňa Budská, spokesperson for the Central Bohemian Regional Police, told news server Romea.cz. The regional police are taking over the investigation and will pursue it as attempted grievous bodily harm.
Romea
Bush Hill Park Q&A scrapped after objections to BNP and Christian candidates (UK)
A Hustings meeting ahead of a by-election has been axed amid objections to some candidates being invited.
The nine candidates standing for the vacant Enfield Council seat in Bush Hill Park had been invited to a question and answer session next week ahead of the poll.
But the Bush Hill Park Residents Association, which was organising the session, has pulled the plug amid fears of protests and political bias.
The British National Party have entered a candidate – London organiser Steve Squire – for the first time in Bush Hill Park, but Labour candidate Ivor Wiggett is understood to have refused to share the platform with him under party policy.
Objections were also raised to Christian Party representative Clive Morrison being invited, owing to alleged inflammatory comments made during his bid for the Edmonton Parliamentary seat last year.
Tony Kingsnorth, chairman of the association, said they were worried about the event being beset by protests outside and decided to call it off.
The issue has been further complicated as Mr Kingsnorth is a candidate himself, standing as an independent, with vice chairman John Jewson running his campaign.
This meant organising the debate would have to fall to other members of the committee, and the association did not want to risk being political by holding the event.
Paul Smith, the Lib Dem candidate, expressed his disappointment at the debate's cancellation on his blog, saying: “To be clear, the Lib Dems will appear at such events regardless of who else is on the platform because we believe that voters are drawn to fringe and extreme parties primarily because the major parties are seen as ignoring them.
“Get out onto the doorstep, meet these voters at hustings and they are given the voice they want and deserve and they can see how false the arguments from the extremists are.”
The BNP has never contested Bush Hill Park before, but Mr Squire is believed to have entered as a test in Enfield ahead of next year's London Assembly elections to see how the party fares.
Polling day is Thursday, July 28, with the result expected the day after.
Enfield Independant
The nine candidates standing for the vacant Enfield Council seat in Bush Hill Park had been invited to a question and answer session next week ahead of the poll.
But the Bush Hill Park Residents Association, which was organising the session, has pulled the plug amid fears of protests and political bias.
The British National Party have entered a candidate – London organiser Steve Squire – for the first time in Bush Hill Park, but Labour candidate Ivor Wiggett is understood to have refused to share the platform with him under party policy.
Objections were also raised to Christian Party representative Clive Morrison being invited, owing to alleged inflammatory comments made during his bid for the Edmonton Parliamentary seat last year.
Tony Kingsnorth, chairman of the association, said they were worried about the event being beset by protests outside and decided to call it off.
The issue has been further complicated as Mr Kingsnorth is a candidate himself, standing as an independent, with vice chairman John Jewson running his campaign.
This meant organising the debate would have to fall to other members of the committee, and the association did not want to risk being political by holding the event.
Paul Smith, the Lib Dem candidate, expressed his disappointment at the debate's cancellation on his blog, saying: “To be clear, the Lib Dems will appear at such events regardless of who else is on the platform because we believe that voters are drawn to fringe and extreme parties primarily because the major parties are seen as ignoring them.
“Get out onto the doorstep, meet these voters at hustings and they are given the voice they want and deserve and they can see how false the arguments from the extremists are.”
The BNP has never contested Bush Hill Park before, but Mr Squire is believed to have entered as a test in Enfield ahead of next year's London Assembly elections to see how the party fares.
Polling day is Thursday, July 28, with the result expected the day after.
Enfield Independant
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Czech Republic/Islamophobia: Former Czech PM sued over statements on Islam
Retired politician Milos Zeman, Czech prime minister in 1998-2002, faces a criminal complaint over the statements on Islam he made in June at an international conference on Europe.
“The enemy is the anti-civilisation spreading from North Africa to Indonesia. Two billion people live in it and it is financed partly from oil sales and partly from drug sales,” Czech news servers quoted Zeman as saying about Islam at the recent conference.
Zeman said Thursday Muslims believe in the Koran like Nazis believed in racial supremacy and anti-Semitism and communists in class struggle and dictatorship of the proletariat.
He said Islam is far more aggressive and intolerant than present Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism and other world religions.
He added that the Koran includes passages calling for the subjugation, enslavement and even elimination of non-believers.
Zeman has been known for his strong statements.
IINA
“The enemy is the anti-civilisation spreading from North Africa to Indonesia. Two billion people live in it and it is financed partly from oil sales and partly from drug sales,” Czech news servers quoted Zeman as saying about Islam at the recent conference.
Zeman said Thursday Muslims believe in the Koran like Nazis believed in racial supremacy and anti-Semitism and communists in class struggle and dictatorship of the proletariat.
He said Islam is far more aggressive and intolerant than present Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism and other world religions.
He added that the Koran includes passages calling for the subjugation, enslavement and even elimination of non-believers.
Zeman has been known for his strong statements.
IINA
EDL demo: Six people arrested and police officer injured
Hundreds of police officers were deployed in Halifax today to keep English Defence League protesters under control.
Around 450 members of the far-right group came to the town, with coaches arriving from the Midlands and other parts of the country.
Some clashed with a counter demonstration in King Cross but were marched to the designated protest site at Eureka car park.
There was also some who arrived in Sowerby Bridge and marched from there into Halifax.
Police had to don riot gear when the protesters broke their way out of the car park and onto the childrens museum site.
The protesters were herded back onto coaches and trains and out of Halifax by around 5pm.
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. A 21-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
A police officer was injured. He suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Around 70 people were at the counter demonstration in King Cross.
*For full story, pictures and video see Monday’s Halifax Courier
Halifax Courier
Around 450 members of the far-right group came to the town, with coaches arriving from the Midlands and other parts of the country.
Some clashed with a counter demonstration in King Cross but were marched to the designated protest site at Eureka car park.
There was also some who arrived in Sowerby Bridge and marched from there into Halifax.
Police had to don riot gear when the protesters broke their way out of the car park and onto the childrens museum site.
The protesters were herded back onto coaches and trains and out of Halifax by around 5pm.
Five people have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences. A 21-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.
A police officer was injured. He suffered a dislocated shoulder.
Around 70 people were at the counter demonstration in King Cross.
*For full story, pictures and video see Monday’s Halifax Courier
Halifax Courier
SCOUTS SAY NO TO NEO-NAZI CAMP TENANTS (Sweden)
A Swedish neo-Nazi political party is planning to gather this weekend in Höör, in southern Sweden, where they are organising a summer camp for their supporters and their families.
The camp, organised by the right-wing extremist Party of Swedes (Svenskarnas parti), was to be held in a cabin owned by the Swedish Guide and Scout Association (Svenska scoutförbundet), who claim they were tricked when the premises were booked. According to the Scout Association, the representatives from the Party of Swedes pretended to be from a sports club in Malmö, when they asked to rent the premises. "It feels awful that a neo-Nazi organisation wil be using our facilities under a fake name," said Erik Sillén, chairman of the Scout Association, to newspaper Kvällsposten. The Party of Swedes estimate that the summer camp, called Nordic Vision, will receive roughly one hundred visitors. "We're directing ourselves to people that we consider to be Swedes. People with African names aren't welcome. Adopted children with Swedish names aren't welcome either," said organiser Andreas Carlsson, from the Party of Swedes. Carlsson has previously described the camp in Swedish media as a way for kids to "have fun", but also adding that everyone will be able to take part in a debate on the Sunday where one of the topics will be “Who is a Swede and who isn’t?”. The Lund police force were still unaware of hundreds of neo-Nazis' plans to gather in Skåne's woods this weekend, when Kvällsposten spoke with the police station on Thursday. "I hope and believe that the Swedish Security Services know about this, because that many extremists in the same place is a big security risk. But we have no information about this yet. We're sitting here completely non-plussed, after your phone call," said officer Mats Persson to the newspaper.
The Scout Association is renouncing the party, announcing that they will not permit the camp to be carried out on their premises. "Our local association has waived the rental agreement," said Erik Sillén to news agency TT. He underlines that this decision has support from the Scout Association on a national level, and they are planning to back the local association up, in the case of a dispute with the Party of Swedes. The 10,000 kronor ($1,580) paid in advance by the party will be returned, explains Sillén, who is uncomfortable with the idea of owing money to neo-Nazis. "That wouldn't feel good. Anyway, they've ordered a service that we won't be delivering, so of course we're returning the money. But this is about values and ideas that the Scouts don't want anything to do with," he told TT. But the organiser of the event, Andreas Carlsson, told TT that the Party was now searching for another solution. "It is a little last minute," he told TT. If no other premises can be found, the party will take legal action in order to be able to use the cabin anyway. According to him, the legal advice they have received so far says they have the law on their side. Earlier this summer, journalist Johannes Jakobsson of the Swedish magasine Expo, which studies and maps anti-democratic, right-wing extremist and racist tendencies in society, told The Local that there is little doubt about the party's heritage.
“The party leadership is the same as the old National Socialistic Front (National Socialistisk Front – NSF), they represent an ethnic nationalism and they believe in anti-Semitic conspiracy theories,” he said. According to him, the Party of Swedes party was formerly known as the People's Front (Folkfronten) and was founded by members of the former National Socialist Front (Nationalsocialistisk front - NSF) in November 2008. At the time it dissolved, NSF was the largest neo-Nazi political party in Sweden. It became a political party on April 20th, 1999, the 110th birthday of Adolf Hitler.
The Local Sweden
The camp, organised by the right-wing extremist Party of Swedes (Svenskarnas parti), was to be held in a cabin owned by the Swedish Guide and Scout Association (Svenska scoutförbundet), who claim they were tricked when the premises were booked. According to the Scout Association, the representatives from the Party of Swedes pretended to be from a sports club in Malmö, when they asked to rent the premises. "It feels awful that a neo-Nazi organisation wil be using our facilities under a fake name," said Erik Sillén, chairman of the Scout Association, to newspaper Kvällsposten. The Party of Swedes estimate that the summer camp, called Nordic Vision, will receive roughly one hundred visitors. "We're directing ourselves to people that we consider to be Swedes. People with African names aren't welcome. Adopted children with Swedish names aren't welcome either," said organiser Andreas Carlsson, from the Party of Swedes. Carlsson has previously described the camp in Swedish media as a way for kids to "have fun", but also adding that everyone will be able to take part in a debate on the Sunday where one of the topics will be “Who is a Swede and who isn’t?”. The Lund police force were still unaware of hundreds of neo-Nazis' plans to gather in Skåne's woods this weekend, when Kvällsposten spoke with the police station on Thursday. "I hope and believe that the Swedish Security Services know about this, because that many extremists in the same place is a big security risk. But we have no information about this yet. We're sitting here completely non-plussed, after your phone call," said officer Mats Persson to the newspaper.
The Scout Association is renouncing the party, announcing that they will not permit the camp to be carried out on their premises. "Our local association has waived the rental agreement," said Erik Sillén to news agency TT. He underlines that this decision has support from the Scout Association on a national level, and they are planning to back the local association up, in the case of a dispute with the Party of Swedes. The 10,000 kronor ($1,580) paid in advance by the party will be returned, explains Sillén, who is uncomfortable with the idea of owing money to neo-Nazis. "That wouldn't feel good. Anyway, they've ordered a service that we won't be delivering, so of course we're returning the money. But this is about values and ideas that the Scouts don't want anything to do with," he told TT. But the organiser of the event, Andreas Carlsson, told TT that the Party was now searching for another solution. "It is a little last minute," he told TT. If no other premises can be found, the party will take legal action in order to be able to use the cabin anyway. According to him, the legal advice they have received so far says they have the law on their side. Earlier this summer, journalist Johannes Jakobsson of the Swedish magasine Expo, which studies and maps anti-democratic, right-wing extremist and racist tendencies in society, told The Local that there is little doubt about the party's heritage.
“The party leadership is the same as the old National Socialistic Front (National Socialistisk Front – NSF), they represent an ethnic nationalism and they believe in anti-Semitic conspiracy theories,” he said. According to him, the Party of Swedes party was formerly known as the People's Front (Folkfronten) and was founded by members of the former National Socialist Front (Nationalsocialistisk front - NSF) in November 2008. At the time it dissolved, NSF was the largest neo-Nazi political party in Sweden. It became a political party on April 20th, 1999, the 110th birthday of Adolf Hitler.
The Local Sweden
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Neo-Nazi skinhead taken down with one punch (USA)
A neo-Nazi is in jail because he allegedly tried to pick a fight with the wrong man, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Daren C. Abbey, 28, is accused of verbally confronting and then assaulting Marlon L. Baker, a 46-year-old African American. It happened inside a Bayview, Idaho bar on July 3.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Baker was approached by Abbey. Investigators said Abbey began threatening to stab Baker if he would not leave Bayview. Investigators said Abbey said "blacks are not welcome here." After continued harassment, Baker left the bar and walked about 400 yards with Abbey following behind him yelling racial slurs.
Baker finally turned around and Abbey came at him. That's when investigators said Baker punched Abbey in the face once, knocking him down. Investigators said Baker was wearing a shirt that said "Spokane Boxing Club Champion". Investigators also said Abbey was intoxicated.
The Southern Poverty Law Center spoke to the owner of Spokane Boxing who said Baker has never been a licensed professional boxer, to his knowledge. It is possible Baker may have informal boxing experience.
Investigators said Abbey is listed as a transient out of Coeur d'Alene. He has ties to California and Montana. Reports show Abbey had contact with police in Coeur d'Alene in 2004. He has multiple tattoos including swastikas and a thunderbolt. He also has a shaved head.
According to SPLC, Abbey was arrested and booked into jail on charges of battery, a misdemeanor, and felony malicious harassment. Officials said Baker was not injured and not charged.
Abbey was treated for a possible broken nose after being booked into the Kootenai County Jail.
Abbey is being held on $75,000 bond.
NWCN
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Daren C. Abbey, 28, is accused of verbally confronting and then assaulting Marlon L. Baker, a 46-year-old African American. It happened inside a Bayview, Idaho bar on July 3.
According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Baker was approached by Abbey. Investigators said Abbey began threatening to stab Baker if he would not leave Bayview. Investigators said Abbey said "blacks are not welcome here." After continued harassment, Baker left the bar and walked about 400 yards with Abbey following behind him yelling racial slurs.
Baker finally turned around and Abbey came at him. That's when investigators said Baker punched Abbey in the face once, knocking him down. Investigators said Baker was wearing a shirt that said "Spokane Boxing Club Champion". Investigators also said Abbey was intoxicated.
The Southern Poverty Law Center spoke to the owner of Spokane Boxing who said Baker has never been a licensed professional boxer, to his knowledge. It is possible Baker may have informal boxing experience.
Investigators said Abbey is listed as a transient out of Coeur d'Alene. He has ties to California and Montana. Reports show Abbey had contact with police in Coeur d'Alene in 2004. He has multiple tattoos including swastikas and a thunderbolt. He also has a shaved head.
According to SPLC, Abbey was arrested and booked into jail on charges of battery, a misdemeanor, and felony malicious harassment. Officials said Baker was not injured and not charged.
Abbey was treated for a possible broken nose after being booked into the Kootenai County Jail.
Abbey is being held on $75,000 bond.
NWCN
670 police prepare for marches (UK)
Police in Cambridge have deployed more than 670 officers as the English Defence League and anti-fascist groups march through the city.
Cambridgeshire Police expect up to 500 members of the EDL to take part in a march.
Similar numbers from Unite Against Fascism and the TUC will take part in a counter march.
East of England MEP Richard Howitt will deliver a speech to the counter march. He will say: "We publicly attest that the EDL is not welcome in this city because we cannot let the poison of their ideas seep in to the body of our community.
"I am proud to live and work in this, the most international of cities, where one in 10 of my neighbours comes from black or ethnic minority communities.
"This is a city which spoke out to end slavery 50 years before it was abolished and today, over two hundred years later, we speak out to restate that there can never be those amongst us who can be treated as less than equal."
Mark Woods, speaking on behalf of Cambridge's Muslim community, said: "We accept that there's a right to free speech but there are also laws against inciting racial hatred.
"The Muslim community here recognises it has had its own problems and is working hard to tackle those.
"Our message to the EDL is: you're not welcome in Cambridge."
Belfast Telegraph
Cambridgeshire Police expect up to 500 members of the EDL to take part in a march.
Similar numbers from Unite Against Fascism and the TUC will take part in a counter march.
East of England MEP Richard Howitt will deliver a speech to the counter march. He will say: "We publicly attest that the EDL is not welcome in this city because we cannot let the poison of their ideas seep in to the body of our community.
"I am proud to live and work in this, the most international of cities, where one in 10 of my neighbours comes from black or ethnic minority communities.
"This is a city which spoke out to end slavery 50 years before it was abolished and today, over two hundred years later, we speak out to restate that there can never be those amongst us who can be treated as less than equal."
Mark Woods, speaking on behalf of Cambridge's Muslim community, said: "We accept that there's a right to free speech but there are also laws against inciting racial hatred.
"The Muslim community here recognises it has had its own problems and is working hard to tackle those.
"Our message to the EDL is: you're not welcome in Cambridge."
Belfast Telegraph
Enormous Disruption Looming: Halifax counts cost of EDL protest (UK)
Traders across Halifax were today counting the cost of the English Defence League’s decision to hold another demo in town - today.
Scores of pubs and other businesses will be shutting while the far-right group staged its protest.
Shops and pubs say they will lose business but want to avoid the disorder seen last time the EDL came to Halifax.
Megan Forest, from The Three Pigeons, South Parade, said they planned to shut until 4pm. “We don’t want the trouble.”
Others closing include The Ring O’Bells, which will stay shut until the protesters have left. The Barum Top will be closed until 6pm. The Salvation will keep its doors shut till 5pm and the Plummet Line will also be closed till 5.
Chris Lord, of Chris Lord Photography, said he was bound to lose business today because people will not be passing his office on Square Road.
“We’re all trying hard to earn a living,” he said.
The EDL decision to come to Halifax will also mean Eureka, one of Halifax’s busiest tourist attractions, will shut for the day.
Police and Calderdale Council have designated the museum car park as the least disruptive spot for the protest.
Police are also be expected to run a up a huge bill manning the demonstration.
The force cannot say yet how much it will cost them but a demonstration in Bradford last summer cost the force £650,000.
MP for Halifax Linda Riordan said: “This has caused unnecessary disruption to people, businesses, and shopkeepers as well as affecting the local economy.
“It is outrageous that local businesses have been put in a position where they have to close for the day.
“I am confident the police will handle the situation effectively.
“But my message to the EDL is for them to go away and don’t come back to Halifax.
“I am sure the vast majority of people in this town, who are tolerant, respectful and decent, would agree with me.”
A joint statement from a group of Halifax organisations and individuals including Calderdale Council’s political leaders, Mrs Riordan, Halifax Minster, Calderdale College and Halifax Festival said: “The planned EDL protest is unwanted and damaging to everyone who lives, works and cares for Halifax and Calderdale.
“We support the right to peaceful protest but there is no clear reason why this group want to protest in Halifax,and the event will only bring tension, discord and anxiety.
“We have seen the impact of previous disruptive and criminal behaviour by supporters of this group in Halifax in recent months followed by the arrests of 16 people in April.
“Today is the first day of Halifax Festival. Eureka would be marking their 19th birthday in Halifax, but is now closed. It should be a day for local people to enjoy, a day for us to welcome visitors to our town, and a welcome boost for local businesses in difficult times.
“Instead, this protest – which will cost the police, council and partners many thousands of pounds – will disrupt our town and have a damaging impact on our businesses on the day itself and potentially afterwards.
“Fortunately, Halifax is a resilient place, with a clear determination to respond to the challenges of the economic recession.
“We are a place where people live side by side, with common values based upon mutual respect, tolerance and unity.
“The actions of the EDL in choosing to demonstrate in Halifax today show they care nothing for the wellbeing of anyone who lives, works in or cares about Halifax.
“They are not welcome in our town. It is time that they got this message.”
The protest clashes with the launch of Halifax Festival, but organisers say they are determined it will go ahead.
A counter-EDL protest was being held today in King Cross Road, around noon.
Halifax courier
Scores of pubs and other businesses will be shutting while the far-right group staged its protest.
Shops and pubs say they will lose business but want to avoid the disorder seen last time the EDL came to Halifax.
Megan Forest, from The Three Pigeons, South Parade, said they planned to shut until 4pm. “We don’t want the trouble.”
Others closing include The Ring O’Bells, which will stay shut until the protesters have left. The Barum Top will be closed until 6pm. The Salvation will keep its doors shut till 5pm and the Plummet Line will also be closed till 5.
Chris Lord, of Chris Lord Photography, said he was bound to lose business today because people will not be passing his office on Square Road.
“We’re all trying hard to earn a living,” he said.
The EDL decision to come to Halifax will also mean Eureka, one of Halifax’s busiest tourist attractions, will shut for the day.
Police and Calderdale Council have designated the museum car park as the least disruptive spot for the protest.
Police are also be expected to run a up a huge bill manning the demonstration.
The force cannot say yet how much it will cost them but a demonstration in Bradford last summer cost the force £650,000.
MP for Halifax Linda Riordan said: “This has caused unnecessary disruption to people, businesses, and shopkeepers as well as affecting the local economy.
“It is outrageous that local businesses have been put in a position where they have to close for the day.
“I am confident the police will handle the situation effectively.
“But my message to the EDL is for them to go away and don’t come back to Halifax.
“I am sure the vast majority of people in this town, who are tolerant, respectful and decent, would agree with me.”
A joint statement from a group of Halifax organisations and individuals including Calderdale Council’s political leaders, Mrs Riordan, Halifax Minster, Calderdale College and Halifax Festival said: “The planned EDL protest is unwanted and damaging to everyone who lives, works and cares for Halifax and Calderdale.
“We support the right to peaceful protest but there is no clear reason why this group want to protest in Halifax,and the event will only bring tension, discord and anxiety.
“We have seen the impact of previous disruptive and criminal behaviour by supporters of this group in Halifax in recent months followed by the arrests of 16 people in April.
“Today is the first day of Halifax Festival. Eureka would be marking their 19th birthday in Halifax, but is now closed. It should be a day for local people to enjoy, a day for us to welcome visitors to our town, and a welcome boost for local businesses in difficult times.
“Instead, this protest – which will cost the police, council and partners many thousands of pounds – will disrupt our town and have a damaging impact on our businesses on the day itself and potentially afterwards.
“Fortunately, Halifax is a resilient place, with a clear determination to respond to the challenges of the economic recession.
“We are a place where people live side by side, with common values based upon mutual respect, tolerance and unity.
“The actions of the EDL in choosing to demonstrate in Halifax today show they care nothing for the wellbeing of anyone who lives, works in or cares about Halifax.
“They are not welcome in our town. It is time that they got this message.”
The protest clashes with the launch of Halifax Festival, but organisers say they are determined it will go ahead.
A counter-EDL protest was being held today in King Cross Road, around noon.
Halifax courier
Racist' stop-and-search powers to be challenged (UK)
The high court has agreed that a full legal challenge can be brought against a police stop-and-search power alleged to be used in a racist way against African-Caribbean people.
The challenge follows officers stopping and searching a 37-year-old woman with no convictions, after they claimed she was holding onto her bag in a suspicious way.
The woman, Ann Roberts, ended up being held down by officers on the floor in front of other people, handcuffed and taken to a police station where she was wrongly accused of being a class A drug user and placed on a treatment programme under the threat of arrest if she failed to attend.
Roberts was stopped under section 60 of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, brought in to tackle illegal raves. The power allows police to stop and search people without having a reasonable suspicion they are involved in criminality.
Roberts, a special needs assistant, argued that a disproportionate number of black Londoners are searched in violation of article 14 of the European convention on human rights, which bans discrimination.
Her lawyers say statistical evidence implies that a black person is more than nine times more likely to be searched than a white person. They go on say section 60 is "incompatible" with three articles of the convention: 14, 5, which protects the right to liberty and security, and 8, which protects the right to private and family life.
Police say section 60 is a valuable tool which has been used to tackle areas plagued by violence.
On 9 September 2010 Roberts was on a bus when an inspector found she had insufficient money for her journey on her prepaid Oyster card.
Police were called when she could not produce identity documents.
According to her lawyers, she was searched under section 60 after a police officer took the view she was holding on to her bag in a manner that suggested she had something to hide.
She was told the area she was in was a "hotspot" for gang violence and the possession of knives. Few, if any, acts of gang violence are committed by married women in their mid 30s.
Roberts asked to be searched in a police station rather than in public in case it was seen by young people with whom she worked.
Police refused and when they tried to seize her handbag a struggle followed which led to officers restraining her on the floor.
Three bank cards with different identities were found in her bag. She explained they were in her name, her maiden name – having recently married – and her son's name.
She was told she was being arrested on suspicion of fraud and taken to Tottenham police station.
She was subjected to a drugs test which she was told showed small amounts of crack cocaine, but a later test showed she was clear.
After being put in a cell, she was interviewed and told she was no longer suspected of fraud but was being detained on suspicion that she had obstructed a police search.
Later a caution was administered for obstruction.
The Guardian
The challenge follows officers stopping and searching a 37-year-old woman with no convictions, after they claimed she was holding onto her bag in a suspicious way.
The woman, Ann Roberts, ended up being held down by officers on the floor in front of other people, handcuffed and taken to a police station where she was wrongly accused of being a class A drug user and placed on a treatment programme under the threat of arrest if she failed to attend.
Roberts was stopped under section 60 of the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, brought in to tackle illegal raves. The power allows police to stop and search people without having a reasonable suspicion they are involved in criminality.
Roberts, a special needs assistant, argued that a disproportionate number of black Londoners are searched in violation of article 14 of the European convention on human rights, which bans discrimination.
Her lawyers say statistical evidence implies that a black person is more than nine times more likely to be searched than a white person. They go on say section 60 is "incompatible" with three articles of the convention: 14, 5, which protects the right to liberty and security, and 8, which protects the right to private and family life.
Police say section 60 is a valuable tool which has been used to tackle areas plagued by violence.
On 9 September 2010 Roberts was on a bus when an inspector found she had insufficient money for her journey on her prepaid Oyster card.
Police were called when she could not produce identity documents.
According to her lawyers, she was searched under section 60 after a police officer took the view she was holding on to her bag in a manner that suggested she had something to hide.
She was told the area she was in was a "hotspot" for gang violence and the possession of knives. Few, if any, acts of gang violence are committed by married women in their mid 30s.
Roberts asked to be searched in a police station rather than in public in case it was seen by young people with whom she worked.
Police refused and when they tried to seize her handbag a struggle followed which led to officers restraining her on the floor.
Three bank cards with different identities were found in her bag. She explained they were in her name, her maiden name – having recently married – and her son's name.
She was told she was being arrested on suspicion of fraud and taken to Tottenham police station.
She was subjected to a drugs test which she was told showed small amounts of crack cocaine, but a later test showed she was clear.
After being put in a cell, she was interviewed and told she was no longer suspected of fraud but was being detained on suspicion that she had obstructed a police search.
Later a caution was administered for obstruction.
The Guardian
Friday, 8 July 2011
Italian court sentences nine elderly German Nazis
An Italian court on Thursday handed down life sentences to nine elderly Germans for having killed more than 160 civilians in northern and central Italy during World War II.
The nine former Nazi soldiers, all in their 80s and 90s, were sentenced in absentia by a court in Verona Tuesday night after a seven-month trial. They had been charged with killing 140 civilians in the Modena region in 1944 and also for massacres of dozens of others carried out in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions.
The nine men had been German officers and soldiers attached to a parachute division charged with quashing Italian resistance to German occupation.
"At last there is justice for the victims and their relatives and a bloody page of history can be closed," one of the plaintiffs told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
Jerusalem Post
The nine former Nazi soldiers, all in their 80s and 90s, were sentenced in absentia by a court in Verona Tuesday night after a seven-month trial. They had been charged with killing 140 civilians in the Modena region in 1944 and also for massacres of dozens of others carried out in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna regions.
The nine men had been German officers and soldiers attached to a parachute division charged with quashing Italian resistance to German occupation.
"At last there is justice for the victims and their relatives and a bloody page of history can be closed," one of the plaintiffs told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
Jerusalem Post
Newbury Town Council has been criticised over an appendix to a report on planning for traveller sites (UK)
Newbury Town Council has been accused of racism after publishing statements on travellers “worthy of the British National Party (BNP).”
The offending paragraphs appeared in an appendix to a report on planning for traveller sites prepared for Monday night’s the planning and highways committee meeting.
They were initially published on the council website but were removed when the storm broke.
They stated: "We do not believe that travellers should be treated as a separate ethnic group or that policy towards them should be governed by such considerations. Because of the undesirable effects of the travelling way of life on receipt of social services, especially education, we do not consider that travelling in the sense used in this paper can be sustained in the long run.
“It is gradually disappearing and that trend should not be discouraged. We obviously agree on the measures to prevent abuse of the planning system by travellers.”
The comments were condemned by the general secretary of West Berkshire Minority Ethnic Forum, Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera who pointed out: “Roma, Romany Gypsies and Irish travellers are now all recognised to have protection under the Race Relations Act as they have been finally recognised as minority ethnic communities in law.
“The intolerance shown towards these communities is still very obvious, and is even enshrined within some of the policies and procedures of our public authorities. Are these somewhat limiting and discriminatory views the opinions of the town council as a whole, or merely a few individuals? Whichever. it is very concerning.”
Local Labour Party spokesman Richard Garvie said he interpreted the words to mean that travellers should not have equal access to health and education services and branded the comments “worthy of the BNP.”
The wording of the report also sparked a heated debate on the forum at our website, Newburytoday.co.uk ahead of Monday night’s meeting.
Before the meeting began, Anthony Pick (Con, St Johns) revealed that he was the author of the offending report and added: “I apologise for any offence which my remarks may have caused and I withdraw them without reservation.”
Committee vice chairman Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland) spoke next, saying he was responsible for submitting the report to committee and adding: “I would like to apologise that I failed to pick this up.”
Council chief executive Graham Hunt then offered a “full and unqualified” apology, adding that the final responsibility for what was published rested with him.
He pointed out that the offending report had been removed from the website and promised “equality training” would be put in place.
Mr Hunt added: “Newbury Town Council welcomes any initiative which will improve facilities for the travelling community.”
Mr Garvie said afterwards: "For the council to have to issue three apologies at the start of a meeting shows how serious an incident this was.”
Newbury Today
The offending paragraphs appeared in an appendix to a report on planning for traveller sites prepared for Monday night’s the planning and highways committee meeting.
They were initially published on the council website but were removed when the storm broke.
They stated: "We do not believe that travellers should be treated as a separate ethnic group or that policy towards them should be governed by such considerations. Because of the undesirable effects of the travelling way of life on receipt of social services, especially education, we do not consider that travelling in the sense used in this paper can be sustained in the long run.
“It is gradually disappearing and that trend should not be discouraged. We obviously agree on the measures to prevent abuse of the planning system by travellers.”
The comments were condemned by the general secretary of West Berkshire Minority Ethnic Forum, Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera who pointed out: “Roma, Romany Gypsies and Irish travellers are now all recognised to have protection under the Race Relations Act as they have been finally recognised as minority ethnic communities in law.
“The intolerance shown towards these communities is still very obvious, and is even enshrined within some of the policies and procedures of our public authorities. Are these somewhat limiting and discriminatory views the opinions of the town council as a whole, or merely a few individuals? Whichever. it is very concerning.”
Local Labour Party spokesman Richard Garvie said he interpreted the words to mean that travellers should not have equal access to health and education services and branded the comments “worthy of the BNP.”
The wording of the report also sparked a heated debate on the forum at our website, Newburytoday.co.uk ahead of Monday night’s meeting.
Before the meeting began, Anthony Pick (Con, St Johns) revealed that he was the author of the offending report and added: “I apologise for any offence which my remarks may have caused and I withdraw them without reservation.”
Committee vice chairman Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland) spoke next, saying he was responsible for submitting the report to committee and adding: “I would like to apologise that I failed to pick this up.”
Council chief executive Graham Hunt then offered a “full and unqualified” apology, adding that the final responsibility for what was published rested with him.
He pointed out that the offending report had been removed from the website and promised “equality training” would be put in place.
Mr Hunt added: “Newbury Town Council welcomes any initiative which will improve facilities for the travelling community.”
Mr Garvie said afterwards: "For the council to have to issue three apologies at the start of a meeting shows how serious an incident this was.”
Newbury Today
HOLOCAUST DENIAL NO CRIME IN SPAIN
In a ruling that may have ripple effects across Europe, the Spanish Supreme Court has ruled that neo-Nazi literature and speech, including that which openly denies the Holocaust, is not a punishable crime. In his June 3 ruling, presiding judge Dr. Adolfo Prego said that while such speech is truly offensive, it is only a crime if advocates violence. “Advocating an ideology is not punishable no matter which ideology is involved,” Judge Prego chided prosecutors in his ruling. The verdict overules a 2009 lower court conviction of four Spanish neo-Nazis, Ramón Bau, Óscar Panadero, Carlos García and Juan Antonio Llopart, who were found guilty of disseminating hate literature.
Panadero owned and operated the now-defunct Kalki bookstore, which openly sold neo-Nazi paraphanelia and literature, including books that denied the Holocaust. Garcia was an employee at the store, while Bau and Llopart ran organizations that promoted National Socialist ideology. Judge Prego noted that he himself was offended by the neo-Nazi literature, but could not let the conviction stand as this would open the door to random prosecution of any opinion expressed. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, the four men were aquitted of their prison terms, which ranged from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 years.
The Jewish Community Federation of Spain (FCJE) roundly condemned the verdict, reports the World Jewish Congress. “We Jews are very worried that the Spanish judiciary, which in certain situations shows a lot of sensitivity, does not consider the sale of books in which the Holocaust is denied and racism propagated an offense banned by our laws,” the group said in a press statement. The Israeli Embassy in Madrid said in a statement, “Israel believes that this decision gives support to racist violence and shows a lack of historic knowledge.” It added that the ruling was reason for “sadness and concern.”
Holocaust denial is explicitly or implicitly illegal in 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
The European Union’s Framework decision on Racism and Xenophobia, released in 2007, states that denying or grossly trivialising “crimes of genocide” should be made “punishable in all EU Member States.” While other EU member states have already adopted either parts or the entire framework into their laws, Spain has not complied.
Europe Today
Panadero owned and operated the now-defunct Kalki bookstore, which openly sold neo-Nazi paraphanelia and literature, including books that denied the Holocaust. Garcia was an employee at the store, while Bau and Llopart ran organizations that promoted National Socialist ideology. Judge Prego noted that he himself was offended by the neo-Nazi literature, but could not let the conviction stand as this would open the door to random prosecution of any opinion expressed. As a result of the Supreme Court ruling, the four men were aquitted of their prison terms, which ranged from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 years.
The Jewish Community Federation of Spain (FCJE) roundly condemned the verdict, reports the World Jewish Congress. “We Jews are very worried that the Spanish judiciary, which in certain situations shows a lot of sensitivity, does not consider the sale of books in which the Holocaust is denied and racism propagated an offense banned by our laws,” the group said in a press statement. The Israeli Embassy in Madrid said in a statement, “Israel believes that this decision gives support to racist violence and shows a lack of historic knowledge.” It added that the ruling was reason for “sadness and concern.”
Holocaust denial is explicitly or implicitly illegal in 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
The European Union’s Framework decision on Racism and Xenophobia, released in 2007, states that denying or grossly trivialising “crimes of genocide” should be made “punishable in all EU Member States.” While other EU member states have already adopted either parts or the entire framework into their laws, Spain has not complied.
Europe Today
A decade after the riots, Bradford is still uneasy about race relations (UK)
Ten years ago today Bradford witnessed race riots that lasted three days and brought the issue of race relations in the city to the country's attention. Bradford became known as a "racial tinderbox" where the city's large Asian community was estranged and at odds with the white working class.
You could see the troubles coming as rioting spread across the north from towns on the other side of the Pennines such as Burnley and Oldham. There were the largely forgotten riots of 1995, which should have acted as a warning signal. After those disturbances, Asian residents complained about a lack of opportunities and growing unease about relationships with the police and the white working class. Those calls were mostly ignored, the National Front took advantage and six years later tensions boiled over again.
I was a 17-year-old student at the time, and like many people in the city was shocked to see Manningham turned into a battleground. I remember picking up the Telegraph and Argus and seeing the faces of young men I'd played against in a football semi-final a few months earlier on the front page as wanted troublemakers. Harsh sentences followed for the Asian offenders and the city woke up to the fact that it had been sleepwalking into segregation for more than 30 years.
There was a definite change in the city as the initial shock of the riots turned to disgust and even hatred as people surveyed what "they" had done to "our" city. The fallout continued with the BNP gaining council seats in predominantly white areas like Queensbury and Keighley as far-right groups took advantage of the troubles to reinforce the "them and us" attitude. Lord Ouseley's report and the Cantle report followed and laid out the drastic action that needed to be taken to counteract the effects of segregation in the city and others like it.
But the anniversary of the riots isn't the best indicator of how far the city has come when dealing with race relations. That date came on 28 August 2010 when the English Defence League (EDL) brought 700 supporters to the city. The event had been talked about for months and when the static protest started the group faced opposition from a wide range of residents. It was a display of unity which largely went unreported, the focus instead being on the EDL's clashes with the police. It was the toughest test Bradford's communities had faced since 2001 and people from all over the city made sure no one group was left to stand up to the far right alone.
The BNP is no longer represented on the council and now Bradfordians are focused on new challenges such as the lack of development in the city centre, which literally left a hole in the heart of the city, and fewer job opportunities after the area's financial services industry was hit by the economic downturn. When Chris Morris chose the city's 16th International Film Festival as the place to premier his controversial film Four Lions, which was about a British group of suicide bombers, I was delighted to see someone like Morris in the city. But even more delighted that there wasn't trouble after the premier, especially considering one of the 7/7 bombers, Shehzad Tanweer, was born in Bradford. It showed me that perhaps now Bradfordians of all races are able to examine even the most uncomfortable aspects of life in the city.
Bradford still faces challenges when it comes to relations between different communities. The white flight that occurred in areas like Manningham is being repeated, this time with Asian middle-class families moving out to areas like Heaton and eastern European migrants taking their place. The school system is still a source of segregation, with many containing a majority of pupils from either white or Asian backgrounds. But progress is being made with exchange programmes and a greater awareness of how without early integration a "them and us" attitude can develop.
Many in the city are happy about the progress that has been made but as the far right regroup again in the form of the EDL, Bradfordians are well aware that their unity will be tested again and so will the city's race relations.
The Guardian
English Defence League to march through Plymouth (UK)
Far-right street protest group the English Defence League is to march through Plymouth on Saturday as part of its campaign against what it calls the spread of Islamic extremism in Britain.
A counter-march has been organised by Unison, Unite Against Facism (UAF) and the Trades Union Council.
The EDL march will start in Exeter Street at 1pm, there will be speeches in the city centre at 2pm and a march back to Exeter Street at 3pm.
A statement on EDL Plymouth's Facebook posting for the event reads: "Above all the English Defence League will be attending Plymouth to hold a peaceful protest anyone causing trouble or making racist remarks will be removed from the demo and is likely to be arrested."
The counter-event will start with a rally at the Jigsaw Garden near Drake Circus at 12pm and there will be a march at 1pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police are planning to deploy officers in the city centre during the events.
Police are readying themselves for the potentially explosive rallies with ‘significant resources’ available.
But they added that protesters have said they would hold peaceful demonstrations.
“It’s important that we plan for every eventuality,” said Superintendent Craig Downham.
“We’re expecting large numbers of people in the city centre and Barbican areas and protesters have stated that it is their intention to hold a peaceful assembly, however, we will have significant police resources available to deal with any situation which presents itself, in a fair, proportionate and impartial way.”
He added that the police and local authority do not have powers to ban the protests and respect everyone’s democratic right to participate in peaceful protest.
But the Force is asking the community to be vigilant and inform the police immediately of any incidents.
“Devon and Cornwall Police is experienced in policing large events and our commitment is to protect the communities we serve and keep the peace, while facilitating peaceful and lawful protests,” he said.
“We want to reassure people that the city centre is still open for business. The two march routes have been negotiated in such a way that there’s less of a chance of disorder but we are there in large numbers should we need to use our powers to deal with anyone who is getting out of hand.”
The EDL have been leafleting around the city centre ahead of their rally with pamphlets saying “peaceful protest in Plymouth” and “defend our culture”.
UAF said that a unity statement has been signed by local politicians and trade unionists in opposition to the EDL protest.
To highlight this they are organising a multicultural We Are Plymouth demonstration.
Kevin Treweeks, equalities officer, city of Plymouth branch UNISON, added that the group is also planning an afternoon of multi-cultural entertainment following the rally.
The EDL formed in Luton in 2009 in response to protests by Islamic groups.
Events by EDL in other cities have sometimes seen a number of arrests, violent clashes with the UAF and other groups and criminal damage.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 demonstrators marched through Newcastle in May 2010 - from both the EDL and UAF.
Police say the event passed without incident.
EDL events are usually heavily policed.
This is Plymouth
A counter-march has been organised by Unison, Unite Against Facism (UAF) and the Trades Union Council.
The EDL march will start in Exeter Street at 1pm, there will be speeches in the city centre at 2pm and a march back to Exeter Street at 3pm.
A statement on EDL Plymouth's Facebook posting for the event reads: "Above all the English Defence League will be attending Plymouth to hold a peaceful protest anyone causing trouble or making racist remarks will be removed from the demo and is likely to be arrested."
The counter-event will start with a rally at the Jigsaw Garden near Drake Circus at 12pm and there will be a march at 1pm.
Devon and Cornwall Police are planning to deploy officers in the city centre during the events.
Police are readying themselves for the potentially explosive rallies with ‘significant resources’ available.
But they added that protesters have said they would hold peaceful demonstrations.
“It’s important that we plan for every eventuality,” said Superintendent Craig Downham.
“We’re expecting large numbers of people in the city centre and Barbican areas and protesters have stated that it is their intention to hold a peaceful assembly, however, we will have significant police resources available to deal with any situation which presents itself, in a fair, proportionate and impartial way.”
He added that the police and local authority do not have powers to ban the protests and respect everyone’s democratic right to participate in peaceful protest.
But the Force is asking the community to be vigilant and inform the police immediately of any incidents.
“Devon and Cornwall Police is experienced in policing large events and our commitment is to protect the communities we serve and keep the peace, while facilitating peaceful and lawful protests,” he said.
“We want to reassure people that the city centre is still open for business. The two march routes have been negotiated in such a way that there’s less of a chance of disorder but we are there in large numbers should we need to use our powers to deal with anyone who is getting out of hand.”
The EDL have been leafleting around the city centre ahead of their rally with pamphlets saying “peaceful protest in Plymouth” and “defend our culture”.
UAF said that a unity statement has been signed by local politicians and trade unionists in opposition to the EDL protest.
To highlight this they are organising a multicultural We Are Plymouth demonstration.
Kevin Treweeks, equalities officer, city of Plymouth branch UNISON, added that the group is also planning an afternoon of multi-cultural entertainment following the rally.
The EDL formed in Luton in 2009 in response to protests by Islamic groups.
Events by EDL in other cities have sometimes seen a number of arrests, violent clashes with the UAF and other groups and criminal damage.
Between 1,500 and 2,000 demonstrators marched through Newcastle in May 2010 - from both the EDL and UAF.
Police say the event passed without incident.
EDL events are usually heavily policed.
This is Plymouth
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
US 'hate groups' bolstered by Obama's election
 |
| Aryan Nations |
A curious thing happens when you walk down the street in Spokane, Washington, first thing in the morning. Complete strangers look you in the eye, and say, with a little smile: "Good morning."
It is that kind of a town; if not close-knit, then, compared to some of the other towns and cities in America, human in scale and friendly to strangers.
Which makes the attempted bombing here of a civil rights march in January all the more difficult to comprehend.
The man alleged to have left a rucksack filled with explosives and shrapnel - covered in rat poison so as to stop blood clotting - is Kevin Harpham, an Army veteran with an interest in neo-Nazi groups.
The difficult truth for Spokane, for Washington State, for neighbouring Idaho and for all of the US, is that hate groups - anti-black, anti-Jew, neo-Nazi - are on the rise again.
And nearly everyone, including members of those groups, agrees that the election of Barack Obama has been a catalyst for the increase in support.
"I wouldn't say it surprises me," says Spokane's mayor Mary Verner, "though it is alarming to me".
"We are seeing a resurgence in hate groups because we are seeing democratic activity and empowered citizens who are not Anglo-Saxon Protestants."
There was the same sort of reaction from the local sheriff, Ozzie Knezovich, when he heard that a bomb had been left beside the route of the Martin Luther King Jr Day march.
"Surprised? No," he says. "We live in a different world now - hate seems to be a widespread phenomenon right now."
'Explosion' of groups
And there are ordinary citizens - and their children - who are at the receiving end of hate group activity in Washington and Idaho.
Rachel Dolezal, who teaches art and African-American studies, has been repeatedly harassed since word got out about what she taught.
Her homes - she has moved several times - have been broken into. Nooses have been left for her, and a swastika was left on the door of her workplace.
And she has acted to protect her son.
"I actually bought him a pair of earphones for the bus," she says, "because he hears the word 'nigger' every day.
"It seems things were kind of hush and sanitised and cleaned up, or something, and then Barack Obama just brought things to the surface that were already existent within people."
Hate groups and other groups on the far right - so-called Patriot groups which vow to resist the encroachments of the Federal government, and anti-immigrant nativist groups - are tracked by the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC).
"In the fall (autumn) of 2008," says the director of the SPLC's Intelligence Project, Mark Potok, "we started to see an explosion in hate groups, but more generally in right-wing groups of general types."
Rise in requestsIf Mark Potok wanted confirmation of his research, he could find it just across the border from Spokane, in the city of Coeur d'Alene, northern Idaho.
Sitting on his porch as the day fades into night is Jerald O'Brien, flanked by the flags of the Aryan Nations group and the Church of Jesus Christ-Christian.
Aryan Nations is a wildly anti-Jewish white separatist group. The faded plastic children's toys on the lawn seem more than a little incongruous.
Mr O'Brien insists he does not condone or encourage any acts of violence. He calls Jews "the children of Satan".
He accuses Barack Obama of being Jewish - he is not - and of not being a US citizen - he is. But he has cause to thank the president.
"The day after Barack Obama's election," he says, "my phone would not stop ringing. It was up to four or five a day asking for education and information."
Some will dismiss men such as Jerald O'Brien, and groups such as Aryan Nations, as "wackos" and "nut-jobs".
But Mark Potok is concerned.
"I think we are in a very similar period as we were in the run-up to the Oklahoma City bombing," he says, "as far as a bombing or an attack like that, whether that will come, we don't know.
"We are very close in numbers to the numbers we had at the very peak of the militia movement."
The trial of Kevin Harpham, accused of attempting to the bomb the Martin Luther King Jr Day march in Spokane, begins in August.
BBC News
Newsnews archives This page is updated almost every day with items from regular news sources. If you have an item for the news page please send it to us at news@icare.to . Your news has to be in English. If you have any relevant URL's (webaddresses) where more info about the news you send us can be found, please send those too. Don't forget to add the country where the newsitem originates. For news about Hate Crime, please visit our ICARE HATE CRIME NEWS. Headlines 8 July, 2011 * ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION NATIONWIDE PROBLEM - MEDVEDEV (Russia) * BULGARIA'S SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GAY RIGHTS, RULES AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA * 'NEWS CHANNELS BIASED AGAINST ISLAM' CLAIMS SURVEY (uk) * MEP SAJJAD KARIM CALLS POLICE AFTER FAMILY HOME 'TARGETED BY FAR RIGHT ACTIVISTS' (uk) * AGE OVERTAKES RACE DISCRIMINATION IN TRIBUNAL CASES (uk) * ALMOST 2,000 CHILDREN ARE REPORTED FOR 'HATE CRIMES' (uk) * PUPILS AND TEACHERS 'SHOW RACISM' (uk) * DER UNTERGANG: BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY DECLARES WAR... ON ITSELF (uk) * COMMON EU POLICY NEEDED ON MIGRATION (Cyprus) * POLISH LEADER RAISES ALARM ABOUT 'NEW' EUROSCEPTICISM * SOUTH AFRICA FAILS TO STOP RISE IN XENOPHOBIA * MUSLIM-JEWISH PARLEY SEEKS 'PLATFORM FOR DIALOGUE' Headlines 1 July, 2011 * ROMANIAN PLAN TO WALL OFF ROMA STIRS PROTESTS * OF SKINHEADS AND JIHADISTS (Ireland) * BILL TO BLACKLIST FOREIGNERS 'FAIR': RUSSIA'S LAVROV * HIGH COURT LIGHTENS UP ON EXTREMISM CASES (Russia) * REPORT: HATE CRIME DECLINES IN SWEDEN * SWEDISH POLICE BACKTRACK ON 'ETHNIC' PROFILING * NORWAY ‘CHERRY PICKS’ LIBYAN REFUGEES * PLAN FOR FOREIGN CRIMINAL EXPULSIONS HITS IMPASSE (Switzerland) * KOSOVO FM: PARTITION WOULD "OPEN GATES OF HELL" * KOSOVO MUSLIMS STEP UP MOSQUE PROTESTS * MINISTER APOLOGISES TO ROMA GYPSY FAMILY FOR POLICE BRUTALITY (Serbia) * POLAND COMPLAINS TO VATICAN OVER PRIEST'S REMARKS * A BURKA CONFLICTS WITH GOOD MANNERS, LIKE PUBLIC NUDITY, SAYS MINISTER (Netherlands) * FEAR OF FOREIGNERS 'UNDERSTANDABLE', SAYS VERHAGEN (Netherlands) * EUROPEAN JEWISH GROUPS VOW TO FIGHT DUTCH SLAUGHTER BAN (Netherlands) * DUTCH LAWMAKERS VOTE ON RITUAL ANIMAL SLAUGHTER * COURT: FRENCH TAX OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES HINDERS RIGHTS (France) * MARINE LE PEN: IS THIS THE MOST DANGEROUS WOMAN IN FRANCE? * FAR-RIGHT AUSTRIAN PARTY AMBIVALENT ON HITLER DEBATE * FAR-RIGHT POLITICAL LEADER WILL BE MOCKED, RIDICULED AT GAY PRIDE (uk) * SCHOLAR'S RESEARCH SHOWS NORTHERN IRELAND ANTI-RACISM POLICIES ARE FLAWED * SEVEN ANTI-FACISTS FACE JAIL FOR AN ATTACK ON TWO 'NAZIS' (uk) * NEO NAZI BOMBER LOSES SENTENCING APPEAL(uk) * SURPRISE POLL SHOWS WIDESPREAD MUSLIM SUPPORT FOR GAY RIGHTS (uk) * 'RACISM' STILL RIFE IN BIRMINGHAM - IMPACTS CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, SAYS PANEL (uk) * ALEX SALMOND'S FORCED CLIMBDOWN OVER HIS FOOTBALL HATE-CRIME BILL MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO SAVE IT (uk) * SHEDDING LIGHT ON RACISM IN MALTA * REPORT WARNS OF NEO-NAZIS DISGUISED AS BOY NEXT DOOR (Germany) * REPORT: NEO-NAZI VIOLENCE UP IN EASTERN GERMANY * ARSON AND STABBINGS IN BERLIN AS EXTREMIST GROUPS CLASH (Germany) * 16 INJURED IN ARSON ATTACK ON TURKISH CAFE IN GERMANY * NEW BOOK REVEALS SECRET MEANING OF NEO-NAZI CODES (Germany) * GERMAN INTERIOR MINISTER URGES MUSLIMS TO COMBAT MILITANCY (Germany) * POLITICIANS USING ANTI-ROMA RHETORIC ARE SPREADING HATE (opinion) * POLICE INVESTIGATE 'ANTI-SEMITIC' GRAFFITI (Czech Rep.) * TOWN FINES ORGANISERS OF PROTEST AGAINST ULTRA RIGHTISTS (Czech Rep.) * ACTIVISTS DEMAND CHILD ADOPTIONS FOR HOMOSEXUALS (Czech Rep.) * NUMBER OF EVENTS STAGED BY FAR RIGHT DROPPED LAST YEAR IN CZECH REP. * ABUSE OF LEGAL VISA POLICY MOST PRESSING IMMIGRATION ISSUE (Czech Rep.) * CZECHS PASS DECADE OF ROMA INCLUSION CHAIRMANSHIP TO MACEDONIA * EUROPE ROMA CZ LAUNCHES PROJECT TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF HATE VIOLENCE (Press release) * POLICE PREVENT CLASH BETWEEN EXTREMISTS, ROMANIES IN CZECH TOWN * DISCRIMINATION AGAINST MUSLIMS AT ALL-TIME HIGH IN BELGIUM * GAYS, POLICE OUTFOX FAR RIGHT (Hungary) * WEDDING PLANS BLOOM AS NY LEGALIZES GAY MARRIAGE (usa) * FOURTH OIC ANNUAL REPORT ON ISLAMOPHOBIA RELEASED (world) THE WILDERS TRIAL IN THE NETHERLANDS * IS THIS THE DEATH OF DUTCH MULTICULTURALISM? * GEERT WILDERS, A VOLTAIRE FOR OUR TIMES? (Netherlands, opinion) * LEGALISING RACISM? (Netherlands, opinion) * TWO STANDARDS FOR HATE SPEECH (editorial, the Toronto Star) * GEERT WILDERS AND DUTCH DEMOCRACY (Netherlands) * BELITTLING ISLAM IN THE DUTCH WILDERNESS – ONLY A POLITICIAN’S JOB (Netherlands) * WILDERS FOUND NOT GUILTY OF INCITING HATRED, BUT IS 'ON THE EDGE' (Netherlands) * VERDICT SET FOR DUTCH ANTI-ISLAM LAWMAKER * DUTCH ANTI-ISLAM LAWMAKER WILDERS FACES JUDGEMENT Headlines 24 June, 2011 * AMNESTY SLATES ROMANIA OVER ROMA HOUSING * GOVERNMENT'S GESTURES TO FAR-RIGHT ALLY POISON DANISH ATMOSPHERE (Denmark) * FREE SPEECH -TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY- (Denmark) * TURKEY IGNORING ANTI-LGBT DISCRIMINATION SAYS AMNESTY * 'SEX ASSAULT' POLITICIAN BLAMES FAR-RIGHT PLOT (France) * BULGARIA SENTENCED IN STRASBOURG FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST 2 RUSSIANS * HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE, DESECRATED * HITLER 'STILL HONORARY CITIZEN IN HIS HOMETOWN' (Austria) * NEVER AGAIN GIVEN UEFA-BACKED AWARD (Poland) * PRIEST KNOWN FOR EXTREME VIEWS INVITED TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT BY MEPs (Poland) * WOMEN PLAYING BIGGER ROLE AMONG FAR-RIGHT EXTREMISTS (Germany) * GERMANY'S LEFT PARTY FACES CHARGES OF ANTI-SEMITISM * ERRC URGES END TO POLICE PROFILING OF EU ROMA IN DENMARK * FESTIVAL TO COMBAT DISCRIMINATION TOWARD ROMA BOTTLE COLLECTORS (Denmark) * CZECH NEO-NAZIS POST GUERRILLA ‘HARDBASS’ DANCE ATTACKS ON YOUTUBE * OSCE HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CALLS FOR END SEGREGATION & DISCRIMINATION ROMA CHILDREN IN CZECH SCHOOLS * MASKED NEO-NAZIS MARCH BY TORCHLIGHT AS A PROVOCATION IN CZECH TOWN OF KRUPKA * HUNDREDS ATTEND COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY FOR LEŽÁKY (Czech Rep.) * POLICE 'FAIL' DISABLED PEOPLE SUFFERING HATE CRIME (uk) * EDL THUG ABUSED OLD MEN (uk) * MINISTER: SHORTER PARENTAL LEAVE FOR IMMIGRANTS (Sweden) * RUSSIA 2018 PLEDGES TO FIGHT RACISM AFTER BANANA THROWN AT ROBERTO CARLOS * NEW ANTI-NAZI COALITION (Russia) * ST PETERSBURG BANS SLAVIC GAY PRIDE PARADE BUT OKs ANTI- GAY RALLY (Russia) * ACTIVIST NIKOLAI ALEKSEYEV SUGGESTS RUSSIANS NOT INTERESTED IN GAY RIGHTS (Russia) * AUSTRIAN HOMOSEXUALS ARRESTED IN HUNGARY * GAY PRIDE RALLIES HELD ACROSS BALKANS * CROATIAN CAPITAL GEARS UP FOR GAY PRIDE PARADE AFTER EARLIER VIOLENCE * BULGARIA'S SOFIA PRIDE GAY PARADE GOES SMOOTHLY, ONLY 'FAMILY NGO' PROTESTS * BULGARIA'S 4TH SOFIA PRIDE GAY PARADE GUARDED BY HUNDREDS OF POLICEMEN * EU AGREES TO REFORM INTERNAL BORDER RULES * EU SUMMIT ENDORSES LIMITED TIGHTENING OF SCHENGEN SYSTEM * COUNCIL OF EUROPE LAUNCHES PROBE INTO MIGRANT DROWNINGS Headlines 17 June, 2011 * LEADERSHIP NEEDED ON RIGHTS (Italy) * POLICE ATTACKS THE OFFICE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR PEACE AND DEMOCRACY (Azerbaijan) * MIGRANTS TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES (Netherlands) * DUTCH GROUP TO BURN HILL'S BOOK OF NEGROES (Netherlands) * DUTCH JEWS, MUSLIMS APPEAL RITUAL SLAUGHTER PLAN * YOUTH PARTY FIGHTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF WHITES (Denmark) * HACKERS EXPOSE NEO-NAZI PARTY SUPPORTERS (Germany) * RIGHT EXTREMISTS SQUABBLE OVER A CROSSWORD PUZZLE (Germany) * NEO-NAZI LEADER GETS SUSPENDED SENTENCE FOR ASSAULTING POLICE (Hungary) * THE EXTEND AND THE LIMITS OF XENOPHOBIA IN FRANCE (opinion) * FRENCH PARLIAMENT REJECTS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL * 2 RUSSIAN NEO-NAZI LEADERS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR KILLINGS OF NON-RUSSIANS * FAR-RIGHT COULD PUSH SWEDEN INTO CRISIS * PARENTAL LEAVE 'TRAPS' IMMIGRANTS AT HOME (Sweden) * SWEDISH KIDS INVITED TO NEO-NAZI SUMMER CAMP (Sweden) * OPINION POLL POINTS TO DISCRIMINATION IN MONTENEGRO * JOBS ADS ARE OFTEN DISCRIMINATORY, OMBUDSMAN SAYS (Czech Rep.) * CZECH CONSTITUTIONAL COURT SAYS EXTENSION OF CUSTODY FOR NEO-NAZI LEADER VIOLATED HER RIGHTS (Czech Rep.) * CATHOLIC PRIESTS PROTEST AGAINST ULTRA-RIGHT PARTY IN KRNOV (Czech Rep.) * TURKEY FEELS RACIAL TENSIONS AS FLOOD OF SYRIAN REFUGEES GOES ON * SOCIAL MEDIA'S INFLUENCE ON ‘HATE CRIME' (Turkey) * MUSLIMS SAY BULGARIA PLAGUED WITH ISLAMOPHOBIA, VOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES (Bulgaria) * SOFIA MOSQUE WARDEN ASSAULTED, BEATEN - CHIEF MUFTI (Bulgaria) * POLICE PROBE FAR-RIGHT LINKS TO 'POISON PACKAGES' AT MOSQUES (uk) * UK LIBERAL MUSLIMS LAUNCHED JIHAD AGAINST VIOLENCE * SCHOOL'S REFUSAL TO LET BOY WEAR CORNROW BRAIDS IS RULED RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (uk) * TOUGHER LAWS FOR FOOTBALL HATE CRIMES (uk) * RELIGIOUS HATE CRIME SOARS (uk) * ‘CAGED’ EDL LEADER VOWS TO RETURN TO DEWSBURY IN THOUSANDS (uk) * MUSLIMS CALL FOR ACTION AGAINST HATE CRIMES (uk) * PRIDE'S SUCCESSFUL MARCH (Slovakia) * EURO 2012 FRONTLINE IN BATTLE WITH RACISM (Poland/Ukraine) * WARSAW CONFERENCE TO LAUNCH FARE EURO 2012 ACTIVITIES (Poland) * RACISM STILL RIPE IN THE MEDIA (Poland, editorial NPE) * ITALY AGAINST THE JEWS * ANTI-GAY PROTESTERS CHARGED AFTER SPLIT PARADE VIOLENCE (Croatia) * VIOLENCE MARS CROATIAN GAY PRIDE PARADE * TURKEY PM WARNS OF DUTCH RADICALISM (Netherlands) * POPE WANTS GYPSIES INTEGRATED INTO SOCIETY * HOW TO AVOID A MULTICULTURAL CHERNOBYL? (opinion) * EU AGENCY FOR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS (FRA) LAUNCHES ITS ANNUAL REPORT (press release) * UN GROUP BACKS GAY RIGHTS FOR THE 1ST TIME EVER * STRUCTURAL DISCRIMINATION, A COMMON THREAD BETWEEN THE ROMA AND THE VICTIMS OF CASTE SYSTEMS Headlines 8 July, 2011 ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION NATIONWIDE PROBLEM - MEDVEDEV (Russia) 5/7/2011- Ethnic discrimination is a problem facing not only certain Russian regions, but the entire country, President Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday. "We have problems with this," the president said, speaking during a Human Rights Council meeting in Nalchik, the capital of the North Caucasus republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.“I mean the situation in general, not just in a certain republic or a certain territory, in the Caucasus or in central Moscow." Harmonizing inter-ethnic relations within the country is a complicated task, but it should be addressed, he said, adding that developing national media should be a major goal for local governments. "We are trying to deal with it now in order for every ethnic group to have its own media, internet resources, as well as other opportunities that every people should have," Medvedev said. He also stressed the importance of providing "equal access to municipal service positions" for representatives of different ethnic groups. Promoting negative historical stereotypes that show certain ethnic groups in a bad light is "absolutely unacceptable, dangerous and may create horrible problems," the president added. The Russian capital saw its worst race-related riots for almost a decade in December last year, when a 5,000-strong crowd of nationalists and football hooligans clashed with police near the Kremlin walls. The rioters were protesting police negligence over the killing of a 28-year-old Muscovite football fan in a brawl with migrants from Russia's North Caucasus region earlier in the year. Smaller race-hate disturbances took place afterwards in Moscow and other Russian cities. Medvedev called the disorder a threat to the "stability" of the Russian state and has urged police to clamp down on nationalists. The president also proposed banning those charged with extremism from taking up state positions. © RIA Novosti up BULGARIA'S SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GAY RIGHTS, RULES AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA 4/7/2011- Bulgaria's Supreme Administrative Court has rejected an appeal by the head of the Municipal Council in the city of Pazardzhik over a gay rights case, confirming it was a case of discrimination based on sexual orientation. The gay rights scandal in the southern city of Pazardzhik erupted in the spring and summer of 2010 when Stefan Yanev, a local prosecutor, defended a municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which was clearly directed at gays. This led Bulgarian gay rights youth NGO "LGBT in Action" to appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council in order to receive an apology from the notorious prosecutor involved in anti-gay policies. Gay rights activists appealed the ordinance to the local Prosecutor's Office; this resulted in Yanev issuing a position in which he upheld the notorious regulation, and even went as far as publishing his own musings on human sexuality ridiculed by the media as a "treatise" - in which hee compared homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality with pedophilia, zoophilia, gerontophilia, necrophilia, and fetishism, as he considers all of those forms of sexual orientation. Subsequently, the problematic ordinance was repealed by the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office in Sofia. Monday's ruling by the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court is based on an appeal by the Chair of the City Council in Pazardzhik Georgi Yordanov, which asked for the repeal of a ruling of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination. The Commission ruled in May 2010 against the municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which stirred the scandal in the first place. According to the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, however, the Pazardzhik City Council has committed direct discrimination based on sexual orientation against the residents and visitors of the city who are not heterosexual. "The specific ordinance studied by the Commission contains discriminatory attitude against the sexual orientation of persons who are not heterosexual. It is inadmissible that the ordinance of the local authority would defend the negative, subjective perception that has formed with its members," the three judges from the SAC ruled. The scandal with the anti-gay initiatives in Pazardzhik grew in the fall of 2010 when the Bulgarian Orthodox Bishop of Plovdiv Nikolay, known for his radical views, presented Yanev and Pazardzhik Mayor Todor Popov with the highest order of the Plovdiv Bishopric styling them "defenders of Christian values," and calling homosexuality "travesty" and "debauchery" among other similar terms. The LGBT in Action NGO backed by another NGO, Free Internet Society, have declared that their appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council for an apology from Prosecutor Yanev was in response to the fact that he accepted the medal handed to him by Bishop Nikolay. The gay rights activists defined this act "not just as a violation of fundamental human rights but also as blatant lack of knowledge about the Bulgarian legislation." Monday's ruling of the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, the highest-ranking institution that can issue a legally-binding ruling in Bulgaria, is now believed to have settled the legal side of the case in Pazardzhik, ruling agianst discrimination based on sexual orientation. © Novinite up 'NEWS CHANNELS BIASED AGAINST ISLAM' CLAIMS SURVEY (uk)
An independent poll carried out by Consumer PI has claimed that the vast majority of British Muslims perceive the three mainstream TV news channels (BBC, ITV and Sky) to be biased against their religion when reporting current affairs. The TV channels’ reporting of terror cases, news pieces on Iraq and Afghanistan and coverage of the ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings have been cited as examples of anti-Muslim bias. Furthermore, British Muslims believe that other topical issues such as the Israeli raid on the flotilla, it’s continued occupation of, and raids into, Palestinian territories, the dropping of terror cases by the police as well as positive stories about Islam generally are either not given enough prominence or simply not covered.
The poll also found that British Muslims were offended by some of the terminology used in news reports.
Terms such as ‘jihadist’ or ‘moderate Muslims’ are often used in the wrong context or in a generalised manner, indicating there was a severe lack of understanding of Muslim communities on the part of news reporters.
Many believe this type of reporting does play some part in fanning the flames of extremism. Shakir Ahmed, Director of Passion Islam Media said: “The reporting by the mainstream TV news channels of stories concerning Muslims is at times unbalanced, ill-informed and sensationalist. I would expect this type of coverage in the tabloid press, not from respected news organisations at the BBC, ITV or Sky. However, this is not entirely surprising since these three news channels employ very few reporters who follow the Islamic faith and who would truly understand the Muslim communities and their culture and practices.
Worryingly, the perception by some British Muslims of an unjust Islamophobic mainstream media may well fuel radicalism.”
Asian Image
The poll also found that British Muslims were offended by some of the terminology used in news reports.
Terms such as ‘jihadist’ or ‘moderate Muslims’ are often used in the wrong context or in a generalised manner, indicating there was a severe lack of understanding of Muslim communities on the part of news reporters.
Many believe this type of reporting does play some part in fanning the flames of extremism. Shakir Ahmed, Director of Passion Islam Media said: “The reporting by the mainstream TV news channels of stories concerning Muslims is at times unbalanced, ill-informed and sensationalist. I would expect this type of coverage in the tabloid press, not from respected news organisations at the BBC, ITV or Sky. However, this is not entirely surprising since these three news channels employ very few reporters who follow the Islamic faith and who would truly understand the Muslim communities and their culture and practices.
Worryingly, the perception by some British Muslims of an unjust Islamophobic mainstream media may well fuel radicalism.”
Asian Image
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
BULGARIA'S SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS GAY RIGHTS, RULES AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA
Bulgaria's Supreme Administrative Court has rejected an appeal by the head of the Municipal Council in the city of Pazardzhik over a gay rights case, confirming it was a case of discrimination based on sexual orientation.
The gay rights scandal in the southern city of Pazardzhik erupted in the spring and summer of 2010 when Stefan Yanev, a local prosecutor, defended a municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which was clearly directed at gays. This led Bulgarian gay rights youth NGO "LGBT in Action" to appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council in order to receive an apology from the notorious prosecutor involved in anti-gay policies. Gay rights activists appealed the ordinance to the local Prosecutor's Office; this resulted in Yanev issuing a position in which he upheld the notorious regulation, and even went as far as publishing his own musings on human sexuality ridiculed by the media as a "treatise" - in which hee compared homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality with pedophilia, zoophilia, gerontophilia, necrophilia, and fetishism, as he considers all of those forms of sexual orientation. Subsequently, the problematic ordinance was repealed by the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office in Sofia.
Monday's ruling by the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court is based on an appeal by the Chair of the City Council in Pazardzhik Georgi Yordanov, which asked for the repeal of a ruling of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination. The Commission ruled in May 2010 against the municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which stirred the scandal in the first place. According to the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, however, the Pazardzhik City Council has committed direct discrimination based on sexual orientation against the residents and visitors of the city who are not heterosexual. "The specific ordinance studied by the Commission contains discriminatory attitude against the sexual orientation of persons who are not heterosexual. It is inadmissible that the ordinance of the local authority would defend the negative, subjective perception that has formed with its members," the three judges from the SAC ruled.
The scandal with the anti-gay initiatives in Pazardzhik grew in the fall of 2010 when the Bulgarian Orthodox Bishop of Plovdiv Nikolay, known for his radical views, presented Yanev and Pazardzhik Mayor Todor Popov with the highest order of the Plovdiv Bishopric styling them "defenders of Christian values," and calling homosexuality "travesty" and "debauchery" among other similar terms. The LGBT in Action NGO backed by another NGO, Free Internet Society, have declared that their appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council for an apology from Prosecutor Yanev was in response to the fact that he accepted the medal handed to him by Bishop Nikolay. The gay rights activists defined this act "not just as a violation of fundamental human rights but also as blatant lack of knowledge about the Bulgarian legislation." Monday's ruling of the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, the highest-ranking institution that can issue a legally-binding ruling in Bulgaria, is now believed to have settled the legal side of the case in Pazardzhik, ruling agianst discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Novinite
The gay rights scandal in the southern city of Pazardzhik erupted in the spring and summer of 2010 when Stefan Yanev, a local prosecutor, defended a municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which was clearly directed at gays. This led Bulgarian gay rights youth NGO "LGBT in Action" to appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council in order to receive an apology from the notorious prosecutor involved in anti-gay policies. Gay rights activists appealed the ordinance to the local Prosecutor's Office; this resulted in Yanev issuing a position in which he upheld the notorious regulation, and even went as far as publishing his own musings on human sexuality ridiculed by the media as a "treatise" - in which hee compared homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality with pedophilia, zoophilia, gerontophilia, necrophilia, and fetishism, as he considers all of those forms of sexual orientation. Subsequently, the problematic ordinance was repealed by the Supreme Administrative Prosecutor's Office in Sofia.
Monday's ruling by the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court is based on an appeal by the Chair of the City Council in Pazardzhik Georgi Yordanov, which asked for the repeal of a ruling of the Commission for Protection from Discrimination. The Commission ruled in May 2010 against the municipal ordinance of the Pazardzhik Municipality that banned the displays of sexuality in public, which stirred the scandal in the first place. According to the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, however, the Pazardzhik City Council has committed direct discrimination based on sexual orientation against the residents and visitors of the city who are not heterosexual. "The specific ordinance studied by the Commission contains discriminatory attitude against the sexual orientation of persons who are not heterosexual. It is inadmissible that the ordinance of the local authority would defend the negative, subjective perception that has formed with its members," the three judges from the SAC ruled.
The scandal with the anti-gay initiatives in Pazardzhik grew in the fall of 2010 when the Bulgarian Orthodox Bishop of Plovdiv Nikolay, known for his radical views, presented Yanev and Pazardzhik Mayor Todor Popov with the highest order of the Plovdiv Bishopric styling them "defenders of Christian values," and calling homosexuality "travesty" and "debauchery" among other similar terms. The LGBT in Action NGO backed by another NGO, Free Internet Society, have declared that their appeal to the Supreme Judicial Council for an apology from Prosecutor Yanev was in response to the fact that he accepted the medal handed to him by Bishop Nikolay. The gay rights activists defined this act "not just as a violation of fundamental human rights but also as blatant lack of knowledge about the Bulgarian legislation." Monday's ruling of the Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court, the highest-ranking institution that can issue a legally-binding ruling in Bulgaria, is now believed to have settled the legal side of the case in Pazardzhik, ruling agianst discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Novinite
Details released of Cambridge EDL march and counter march (UK)
Members of the Trade Union Council and Unite Against Fascism will meet at 11am at the Guildhall where they will be escorted by police on a march at 11.45am along Market Street, Sidney Street, St John’s Street, Market Square, Sussex Street, King Street, New Square, Fitzroy Street, Burleigh Street, Norfolk Street, Gwydir Street and Mill Road.
Following the march the TUC and UAF will assemble at Petersfield. The assembly will finish at 3pm.
Members of the EDL will meet at Queen’s Gardens at 1.30pm and march at 2pm along Silver Street, Pembroke Street, Downing Street, Corn Exchange Street, Benet Street, Kings Parade and Silver Street.
Following the procession protestors will assemble at Queen’s Gardens, with the protest expecting to end by 4pm.
Inspector Robin Sissons said: “At this stage we cannot confirm numbers likely to attend either protest but hope to be able to provide some indication as negotiations between the police and EDL continue.
“As and when we have further information we will share this with the public through our various established links with the community.
“As public authorities, the Constabulary and Cambridge City Council 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.”
* Follow live coverage of both marches via Twitter (@CambridgeFirst and @editorfirst), via Facebook (Cambridgefirst) and the website cambridgefirst.co.uk
Cambridge First
Following the march the TUC and UAF will assemble at Petersfield. The assembly will finish at 3pm.
Members of the EDL will meet at Queen’s Gardens at 1.30pm and march at 2pm along Silver Street, Pembroke Street, Downing Street, Corn Exchange Street, Benet Street, Kings Parade and Silver Street.
Following the procession protestors will assemble at Queen’s Gardens, with the protest expecting to end by 4pm.
Inspector Robin Sissons said: “At this stage we cannot confirm numbers likely to attend either protest but hope to be able to provide some indication as negotiations between the police and EDL continue.
“As and when we have further information we will share this with the public through our various established links with the community.
“As public authorities, the Constabulary and Cambridge City Council 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.”
* Follow live coverage of both marches via Twitter (@CambridgeFirst and @editorfirst), via Facebook (Cambridgefirst) and the website cambridgefirst.co.uk
Cambridge First
Monday, 4 July 2011
Police sign up to disability anti hate crime campaign (UK)
Suffolk Police have signed up to a campaign to tackle abuse of people with disabilities.
Mencap is encouraging police forces around the country to ensure officers are more aware of how they respond to people who report they have been verbally or physically abused.
The charity conducted research with Suffolk Police and 13 other forces before launching its Stand By Me campaign against disability hate crime.
The research showed the levels of disability hate crime were much higher than reported.
The figures showed that in 2009/10 there were 138 incidents and in 2010/11 106.
Earlier this year disability support charity Optua helped to close down a Facebook page which was based in Suffolk and appeared to be making fun of people with a learning disability or mental health issue.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall, of Suffolk Police signed up to Mencap’s policing promise and said the force was committed to eradicating such crime, which he said could have a ‘devastating effect’ not only on victims, but also their families and the wider community.
“We want victims to have a voice. We want people to come forward to report hate incidents, so we can bring offenders to account for their actions. We will treat all victims with sensitivity and discretion,” he said.
James Powell, spokesman for Optua, which is a part of Suffolk Hate Crime Service steering group, said: “We are pleased to hear that Suffolk Police are signing up to this pledge.
“Disability hate crime has historically been under-reported so it’s important that we all work together to raise awareness and encourage people with learning disabilities to feel more confident about reporting hate crime.”
Mencap’s report has 22 recommendations as to how forces can improve their service, recommending a more accountable and joined-up approach to tackling disability hate crime. It also suggests specialist officers should focus on such crimes and training should be given to all officers to help them spot and tackle incidents.
Mark Goldring, Mencap chief executive, said: “It is estimated that as many as nine out of 10 people with a learning disability are verbally harassed or exposed to violence due to their disability.”
All reported hate incidents are thoroughly investigated by Suffolk Police, with people able to contact officers through the website, via 999 or Suffolk Hate Crime service on 01473 668966
Readers can visit www.mencap.org.uk or call 0300 333111.
Bury Free press
Mencap is encouraging police forces around the country to ensure officers are more aware of how they respond to people who report they have been verbally or physically abused.
The charity conducted research with Suffolk Police and 13 other forces before launching its Stand By Me campaign against disability hate crime.
The research showed the levels of disability hate crime were much higher than reported.
The figures showed that in 2009/10 there were 138 incidents and in 2010/11 106.
Earlier this year disability support charity Optua helped to close down a Facebook page which was based in Suffolk and appeared to be making fun of people with a learning disability or mental health issue.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Marshall, of Suffolk Police signed up to Mencap’s policing promise and said the force was committed to eradicating such crime, which he said could have a ‘devastating effect’ not only on victims, but also their families and the wider community.
“We want victims to have a voice. We want people to come forward to report hate incidents, so we can bring offenders to account for their actions. We will treat all victims with sensitivity and discretion,” he said.
James Powell, spokesman for Optua, which is a part of Suffolk Hate Crime Service steering group, said: “We are pleased to hear that Suffolk Police are signing up to this pledge.
“Disability hate crime has historically been under-reported so it’s important that we all work together to raise awareness and encourage people with learning disabilities to feel more confident about reporting hate crime.”
Mencap’s report has 22 recommendations as to how forces can improve their service, recommending a more accountable and joined-up approach to tackling disability hate crime. It also suggests specialist officers should focus on such crimes and training should be given to all officers to help them spot and tackle incidents.
Mark Goldring, Mencap chief executive, said: “It is estimated that as many as nine out of 10 people with a learning disability are verbally harassed or exposed to violence due to their disability.”
All reported hate incidents are thoroughly investigated by Suffolk Police, with people able to contact officers through the website, via 999 or Suffolk Hate Crime service on 01473 668966
Readers can visit www.mencap.org.uk or call 0300 333111.
Bury Free press
Support floods in for counter march against EDL (UK)
Support has come from all quarters for a celebration of unity in defiance of a right wing march in Cambridge.
A host of councillors, community leaders, musicians and local people have thrown their weight behind a city centre march and “celebration of unity and diversity”, organised by Unite Against Fascism, in opposition to the English Defence League’s plans to make their presence felt on Saturday, July 9.
Richard Howitt MEP, members of Cambridge Muslim Council, local Trade Unionists, Kevin Courtney – deputy general secretary of the NUT – and members of Cambridge Fans United have all added their names to a statement entitled “We Are Cambridge”.
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum have also joined in.
A spokesman said: “We are proud of Cambridge's history of welcoming those who have had to flee persecution and intolerance from around the world.
“The Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum is committed against all forms of prejudice, intolerance and hate.”
A public meeting will be held tonight (July 4) in the Unitarian Church Hall, Emmanuel Street, from 7.30pm featuring speakers such as Lewis Herbert, leader of the Labour group on Cambridge City Council, who plans to reveal a statement signed by Labour and Green councillors opposing the EDL and supporting the peaceful counter protest.
Also speaking will be Mirza Baig, vice chair of Cambridge Muslim Council.
He recently told Unite Against Fascism members: “Thank you for raising your voice against messages of hate. You have our full support, and our committee will be participating in your demonstration.”
The counter march will take place on Saturday in Market Square from 11am.
Cambridge news
A host of councillors, community leaders, musicians and local people have thrown their weight behind a city centre march and “celebration of unity and diversity”, organised by Unite Against Fascism, in opposition to the English Defence League’s plans to make their presence felt on Saturday, July 9.
Richard Howitt MEP, members of Cambridge Muslim Council, local Trade Unionists, Kevin Courtney – deputy general secretary of the NUT – and members of Cambridge Fans United have all added their names to a statement entitled “We Are Cambridge”.
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum have also joined in.
A spokesman said: “We are proud of Cambridge's history of welcoming those who have had to flee persecution and intolerance from around the world.
“The Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum is committed against all forms of prejudice, intolerance and hate.”
A public meeting will be held tonight (July 4) in the Unitarian Church Hall, Emmanuel Street, from 7.30pm featuring speakers such as Lewis Herbert, leader of the Labour group on Cambridge City Council, who plans to reveal a statement signed by Labour and Green councillors opposing the EDL and supporting the peaceful counter protest.
Also speaking will be Mirza Baig, vice chair of Cambridge Muslim Council.
He recently told Unite Against Fascism members: “Thank you for raising your voice against messages of hate. You have our full support, and our committee will be participating in your demonstration.”
The counter march will take place on Saturday in Market Square from 11am.
Cambridge news
Police investigate after claims EDL targeted MEP Sajjad Karim's house (UK)
Police are investigating claims by north west MEP Sajjad Karim that his house was targeted by far right wing activists.
Mr Karim says at least 40 members of the English Defence League gathered outside his family home at the weekend.
He was forced to delay his flight to attend parliamentary business in Strasbourg this week due to safety fears for his wife and two children, aged eight and 11.
He said: “There were at least 40 of them congregated and gesticulating for me to come outside.
“Thankfully the police arrived quickly but I'm not convinced they are taking this seriously enough.
“My primary concern is my family and I cannot leave them until I am satisfied they have the security they need. My children are petrified.”
It is not the first time Mr Karim, a Muslim, has asked police to investigate 'race hate' claims. The letters BNP were written on the pavement outside his home, in the Lancashire village of Simonstone, last year. He also reported a string of abusive emails from activists.
Mr Karim is the subject of several posts on the EDL Blackburn Division's facebook page.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman confirmed they had dealt with an incident. She said: “An investigation has been launched to establish whether any offences have been committed and by whom.”
Manchester evening news
Mr Karim says at least 40 members of the English Defence League gathered outside his family home at the weekend.
He was forced to delay his flight to attend parliamentary business in Strasbourg this week due to safety fears for his wife and two children, aged eight and 11.
He said: “There were at least 40 of them congregated and gesticulating for me to come outside.
“Thankfully the police arrived quickly but I'm not convinced they are taking this seriously enough.
“My primary concern is my family and I cannot leave them until I am satisfied they have the security they need. My children are petrified.”
It is not the first time Mr Karim, a Muslim, has asked police to investigate 'race hate' claims. The letters BNP were written on the pavement outside his home, in the Lancashire village of Simonstone, last year. He also reported a string of abusive emails from activists.
Mr Karim is the subject of several posts on the EDL Blackburn Division's facebook page.
A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman confirmed they had dealt with an incident. She said: “An investigation has been launched to establish whether any offences have been committed and by whom.”
Manchester evening news
BNP may face court action over unpaid printing bill (UK)
Calls have been made for the leader of the British National Party to step down in a row over a £16,000 debt to a North-East printing firm.
The BNP owes the money to the Newton Press, a community newspaper based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for the printing of posters and leaflets during the run-up to last year’s General Election and publication of the party’s Voice of Freedom newspaper.
The company’s owners are now so fed up of waiting for the debt to be paid, they have released emails exchanged between the company and party leader Nick Griffin.
On January 1, last year, Stuart Howarth, print sales manager of the Newton Press, sent an email to several members of the BNP which said: “Still nothing from any of you, unbelievable.”
Six months later, he received a reply from Mr Griffin, which said his party officials were working on the matter.
Mr Griffin, MEP for North- West England, wrote in his email: “In the meantime, please accept my most sincere apologies, both personally and organisationally, and assuance (sic) that you will get all your money as soon as possible.”
In August, payment had still not been received and the Newton Press instructed its solicitors to take legal action.
The last email from Mr Howarth, on June 30, this year, said: “Anybody paying this bill or do I have to take even more action than I already have?”
Andrew Brons, BNP MEP for North Yorkshire and Humberside, who is challenging Mr Griffin for the leadership, said: “It is wholly unacceptable that honest businessmen, who supplied their services in good faith, are treated in such an appaling manner.
“This reflects badly not just on the current chairman, under whose watch these abuses of trust have taken place, but on all of us. We are all smeared by association.”
Ken Booth, a BNP member in the North-East, said the debt was the national party’s and was nothing to do with the local members.
He said the situation was a disgrace and Mr Griffin should resign. “One of our main passions is local jobs for local people, yet the party can’t even pay a local printer. It makes a farce of our values.”
Clive Jefferson, BNP party treasurer, said: “We will be paying all our outstanding debts. I have a timeline for repayment worked out.
The Northern Echo
The BNP owes the money to the Newton Press, a community newspaper based in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, for the printing of posters and leaflets during the run-up to last year’s General Election and publication of the party’s Voice of Freedom newspaper.
The company’s owners are now so fed up of waiting for the debt to be paid, they have released emails exchanged between the company and party leader Nick Griffin.
On January 1, last year, Stuart Howarth, print sales manager of the Newton Press, sent an email to several members of the BNP which said: “Still nothing from any of you, unbelievable.”
Six months later, he received a reply from Mr Griffin, which said his party officials were working on the matter.
Mr Griffin, MEP for North- West England, wrote in his email: “In the meantime, please accept my most sincere apologies, both personally and organisationally, and assuance (sic) that you will get all your money as soon as possible.”
In August, payment had still not been received and the Newton Press instructed its solicitors to take legal action.
The last email from Mr Howarth, on June 30, this year, said: “Anybody paying this bill or do I have to take even more action than I already have?”
Andrew Brons, BNP MEP for North Yorkshire and Humberside, who is challenging Mr Griffin for the leadership, said: “It is wholly unacceptable that honest businessmen, who supplied their services in good faith, are treated in such an appaling manner.
“This reflects badly not just on the current chairman, under whose watch these abuses of trust have taken place, but on all of us. We are all smeared by association.”
Ken Booth, a BNP member in the North-East, said the debt was the national party’s and was nothing to do with the local members.
He said the situation was a disgrace and Mr Griffin should resign. “One of our main passions is local jobs for local people, yet the party can’t even pay a local printer. It makes a farce of our values.”
Clive Jefferson, BNP party treasurer, said: “We will be paying all our outstanding debts. I have a timeline for repayment worked out.
The Northern Echo
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Bulgarian Nationalists Rally against Jehovah's Witnesses, Outnumbered by Police 3:1
About 30 protesters from the Bulgarian nationalist party VMRO have rallied during a conference of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Sofia, which was guarded by three times as many policemen.
The tight security measures appear to have been taken after after tensions ran high between VMRO and the Jehovah's Witnesses in the recent months, including hand-to-hand clashes in Burgas at one point.
Saturday's protest of the nationalists against Jehovah's Witnesses, who held their conference in the Studentski Grad quarter, where the dormitories of Sofia universities are located, ended without clashes.
According to Angel Dzhambazki, Deputy Chair of VMRO, as cited by news.bg, the participants in the conference are about 200-300 people brought to Sofia by buses, and including primarily "foreign preachers who don't speak Bulgarian and are trying to attract to their sect primarily young and unstable people."
He believes that the Jehovah's Witnesses are blackmailing the Bulgarian government, and said that when the organization was registered in Bulgaria, it signed an agreement with the authorities that it will not try to persuade people not to donate blood or organs.
"However, the Jehovah's Witnesses are continuing to preach these ideas at every religious gathering they make. After you have predicted the end of the world five times, and it didn't happen, there must be something wrong with the clock ticking in your head. Such craziness blossoms in a time of crisis when people are faithless, outraged, and poor," Dzhambazki said, while slamming the representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for driving around in jeeps and wearing expensive watches and massive gold jewelry.
The VMRO protesters said they are rallying against the Jehovah's Witnesses not because the organization is different from Eastern Orthodox Christianity but because they deem their "religious propaganda" dangerous for society by denouncing all national and religious holidays and the respect for national symbols and family values.
Dzhambazki vowed that VMRO will continue to rally until the Jehovah's Witnesses stop preaching their "mad theses". He stressed that the organization has not been registered in a number of EU countries as well as in Turkey, and that there is a reason for that.
Novinite
The tight security measures appear to have been taken after after tensions ran high between VMRO and the Jehovah's Witnesses in the recent months, including hand-to-hand clashes in Burgas at one point.
Saturday's protest of the nationalists against Jehovah's Witnesses, who held their conference in the Studentski Grad quarter, where the dormitories of Sofia universities are located, ended without clashes.
According to Angel Dzhambazki, Deputy Chair of VMRO, as cited by news.bg, the participants in the conference are about 200-300 people brought to Sofia by buses, and including primarily "foreign preachers who don't speak Bulgarian and are trying to attract to their sect primarily young and unstable people."
He believes that the Jehovah's Witnesses are blackmailing the Bulgarian government, and said that when the organization was registered in Bulgaria, it signed an agreement with the authorities that it will not try to persuade people not to donate blood or organs.
"However, the Jehovah's Witnesses are continuing to preach these ideas at every religious gathering they make. After you have predicted the end of the world five times, and it didn't happen, there must be something wrong with the clock ticking in your head. Such craziness blossoms in a time of crisis when people are faithless, outraged, and poor," Dzhambazki said, while slamming the representatives of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church for driving around in jeeps and wearing expensive watches and massive gold jewelry.
The VMRO protesters said they are rallying against the Jehovah's Witnesses not because the organization is different from Eastern Orthodox Christianity but because they deem their "religious propaganda" dangerous for society by denouncing all national and religious holidays and the respect for national symbols and family values.
Dzhambazki vowed that VMRO will continue to rally until the Jehovah's Witnesses stop preaching their "mad theses". He stressed that the organization has not been registered in a number of EU countries as well as in Turkey, and that there is a reason for that.
Novinite
Report Warns of Neo-Nazis Disguised as Boy Next Door
The latest annual report on extremism in Germany suggests that neo-Nazis have swapped the skinhead look for a boy-next-door image, making it harder to identify right-wing extremists. Although overall extremist crime is down, the tendency towards violence is increasing -- within both the far left and right.
Germany's far-right is undergoing a transformation that is making it less conspicuous but more dangerous, Germany's Interior Ministry and Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warn in a new annual report being released on Friday.
The report by the Interior Ministry and BfV, Germany's domestic intelligence agency, found that, in 2010, there were 15,905 politically motivated crimes associated with the far right. The figure represents a 15.2 percent drop compared with the 2009 figure of 18,750 crimes. The number of violent crimes in the same period fell from 891 to 762, a 14.5 percent reduction.
However, the report also found that there was an increasing tendency toward the use of violence. "On the whole," the report concluded, "it is possible to see a rise in the potential for violence as well as in the willingness to employ violence to attain one's political goals." This is particularly the case, the report found, among members of the so-called "autonomous nationalists" of the far right, while the more noticeable skinhead subculture is becoming "increasingly less interesting for right-wing extremist youths."
The fact that the autonomous nationalist -- sometimes also known as the "anarchist nationalists" -- do not wear clothes and other articles publicizing their beliefs makes it considerably more difficult to identify them. Indeed, the report finds that the classic skinhead style -- such as having shaved heads and combat boots -- has become outmoded. "Members of the (far-right) scene instead prefer to wear articles of clothing or brands that orient themselves more toward general trends in youth fashion and that use corresponding lettering or symbols to signal their membership in the scene in a less visible way," the report states.
The report also finds that the number of neo-Nazis has "significantly risen," from 5,000 to 5,600. The BfV puts the total number of far-right extremists at 25,000 out of a total population of around 82 million.
The report also concludes that far-right extremist violence continues to be concentrated in the five eastern states that were part of the former East Germany. While there has been a decrease in the number of far-right crimes in Germany as a whole, the number of far-right crimes in these eastern states has risen; of the 762 total crimes, 304 -- or 40 percent -- were in these five states. When measured as a ratio of crimes to inhabitants, the state of Saxony-Anhalt topped the list of most far-right crimes (67, or 2.8 per 100,000 citizens). It was followed by Brandenburg (66/2.6), Saxony (98/2.3), Thuringia (44, 1.9) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (29/1.7).
Less but More Violent Left-Wing Violence
When it comes to left-wing extremist violence, though, the report does not find a similar east-west divide. It also notes that there was a year-on-year decrease in the total number of left-wing crimes, from 4,734 to 3,747, or 20.8 percent. Although it cites a corresponding reduction in left-wing violent crimes -- from 1,115 to 944, or 15.3 percent -- the report also finds an increased willingness to use violence on this end of the political extreme, as well.
Spiegel
Germany's far-right is undergoing a transformation that is making it less conspicuous but more dangerous, Germany's Interior Ministry and Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), warn in a new annual report being released on Friday.
The report by the Interior Ministry and BfV, Germany's domestic intelligence agency, found that, in 2010, there were 15,905 politically motivated crimes associated with the far right. The figure represents a 15.2 percent drop compared with the 2009 figure of 18,750 crimes. The number of violent crimes in the same period fell from 891 to 762, a 14.5 percent reduction.
However, the report also found that there was an increasing tendency toward the use of violence. "On the whole," the report concluded, "it is possible to see a rise in the potential for violence as well as in the willingness to employ violence to attain one's political goals." This is particularly the case, the report found, among members of the so-called "autonomous nationalists" of the far right, while the more noticeable skinhead subculture is becoming "increasingly less interesting for right-wing extremist youths."
The fact that the autonomous nationalist -- sometimes also known as the "anarchist nationalists" -- do not wear clothes and other articles publicizing their beliefs makes it considerably more difficult to identify them. Indeed, the report finds that the classic skinhead style -- such as having shaved heads and combat boots -- has become outmoded. "Members of the (far-right) scene instead prefer to wear articles of clothing or brands that orient themselves more toward general trends in youth fashion and that use corresponding lettering or symbols to signal their membership in the scene in a less visible way," the report states.
The report also finds that the number of neo-Nazis has "significantly risen," from 5,000 to 5,600. The BfV puts the total number of far-right extremists at 25,000 out of a total population of around 82 million.
The report also concludes that far-right extremist violence continues to be concentrated in the five eastern states that were part of the former East Germany. While there has been a decrease in the number of far-right crimes in Germany as a whole, the number of far-right crimes in these eastern states has risen; of the 762 total crimes, 304 -- or 40 percent -- were in these five states. When measured as a ratio of crimes to inhabitants, the state of Saxony-Anhalt topped the list of most far-right crimes (67, or 2.8 per 100,000 citizens). It was followed by Brandenburg (66/2.6), Saxony (98/2.3), Thuringia (44, 1.9) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (29/1.7).
Less but More Violent Left-Wing Violence
When it comes to left-wing extremist violence, though, the report does not find a similar east-west divide. It also notes that there was a year-on-year decrease in the total number of left-wing crimes, from 4,734 to 3,747, or 20.8 percent. Although it cites a corresponding reduction in left-wing violent crimes -- from 1,115 to 944, or 15.3 percent -- the report also finds an increased willingness to use violence on this end of the political extreme, as well.
Spiegel
ROMANIAN PLAN TO WALL OFF ROMA STIRS PROTESTS
Local authorities in Baia Mare, in northwest Romania, have stirred protests by deciding to erect a concrete wall around a block where a large number of Roma/Gypsy people is living, in order to "stop so many crimes from happening" in the area. The almost two-metre wall, stretching 100 metres and costed at around 7,300 euro, will have only one-access way, "so that everything related to the route can be conrolled", Baia Mare's mayor, Catalin Chereches, has said. Chereches stressed that the wall’s purpose is to “make order and discipline people in an turbulent area and also to protect children who should became victims of car accident”.
He added that a police station will be set up near the wall, where police and local Roma can work together “to keep public order under control”, according to media reports. Roma rights advocates oppose the planned measure, describing it as discriminatory and abusive. “This initiative of the authorities in Baia Mare is profoundly discriminatory and leads to Roma ghettoisation and humiliation by subjecting them to degrading treatment”, Romani Criss, a Roma organization, said in a press release. “If implemented, these measures would violate Romanian law, as well as the international human rights standards to which Romania is a party,” it added. Such actions are not isolated, however. Civic organization have documented other cases where local authorities in Romania have violated Roma people's right to decent housing through forced evictions and deliberate residential segregation.
The Roma community in Romania is struggling with discrimination, poor literacy rates and massive unemployment. Its official number is around 550,000, although it is widely believed that there are actually at least twice as many Roma in the country.
Many people of Roma origin do not declare their ethnicity due to the widespread prejudice that they face.
Balkan Insight
He added that a police station will be set up near the wall, where police and local Roma can work together “to keep public order under control”, according to media reports. Roma rights advocates oppose the planned measure, describing it as discriminatory and abusive. “This initiative of the authorities in Baia Mare is profoundly discriminatory and leads to Roma ghettoisation and humiliation by subjecting them to degrading treatment”, Romani Criss, a Roma organization, said in a press release. “If implemented, these measures would violate Romanian law, as well as the international human rights standards to which Romania is a party,” it added. Such actions are not isolated, however. Civic organization have documented other cases where local authorities in Romania have violated Roma people's right to decent housing through forced evictions and deliberate residential segregation.
The Roma community in Romania is struggling with discrimination, poor literacy rates and massive unemployment. Its official number is around 550,000, although it is widely believed that there are actually at least twice as many Roma in the country.
Many people of Roma origin do not declare their ethnicity due to the widespread prejudice that they face.
Balkan Insight
Friday, 1 July 2011
SWEDISH POLICE BACKTRACK ON 'ETHNIC' PROFILING
Criminals are criminals, their nationalities are a lesser matter," Mauro Gonzalez of the Federation of Chilean Associations in Sweden (Chilenska Riksförbundet) told The Local. The letter sent out by police in Huddinge, a southern suburb of Stockholm, advised residents to be especially vigilant of “South Americans – in particular from Chile”, “Lithuanians” and “Romanians”, after a wave of burglaries in the area. Many felt singled out due to the letter’s references to specific nationalities.
One resident reported the letter to the Ombudsman for Justice (Justitieombudsmannen – JO). “I got this in regards to a neighbourhood watch programme from the local police. I question if it is ok to point the finger at different nationalities this way,” the report read, according to news website nyheter24. The Federation of Chilean Associations in Sweden (Chilenska Riksförbundet) have also publicly complained and asked for an apology from the police. "We feel that it is wrong of the police to link criminal activities to specific nationalities," said Gonzalez.
Anna Schelin at the local police said to nyheter24 that it was the “unfortunate phrasing” of the letter which lay behind the stong reactions. She told the news site that she had received a call from a man who wanted to know why the letter had been sent out. “I had to explain it to him and I think he understood better. The reason behind it is that a lot of burglaries have been committed in the area. There is nothing racist in calling someone a South American or Romanian,” Schelin told the news site.
The police think that the ombudsman will have to decide if sending out the letter was wrong or not, but they stress that they have not meant to offend anyone. “We have had reactions from people who feel offended, so all we can do is apologize and try to explain that sometimes we need to give this kind of information and it is important it is not taken out of its context," said Hesam Akbari at the Stockholm police information department to Sveriges Radio (SR). Akbari added that the perpetrators in this case have come to Sweden solely for this purpose and are not Swedish residents. According to Gonzalez, the federation understands that information has to be sent out to residents warning them of current criminal activity. "But they could warn residents that the perpetrators are from countries other than Sweden, they don't have to link them to specific countries like they did in this case," Gonzalez told The Local.
The Local Sweden
One resident reported the letter to the Ombudsman for Justice (Justitieombudsmannen – JO). “I got this in regards to a neighbourhood watch programme from the local police. I question if it is ok to point the finger at different nationalities this way,” the report read, according to news website nyheter24. The Federation of Chilean Associations in Sweden (Chilenska Riksförbundet) have also publicly complained and asked for an apology from the police. "We feel that it is wrong of the police to link criminal activities to specific nationalities," said Gonzalez.
Anna Schelin at the local police said to nyheter24 that it was the “unfortunate phrasing” of the letter which lay behind the stong reactions. She told the news site that she had received a call from a man who wanted to know why the letter had been sent out. “I had to explain it to him and I think he understood better. The reason behind it is that a lot of burglaries have been committed in the area. There is nothing racist in calling someone a South American or Romanian,” Schelin told the news site.
The police think that the ombudsman will have to decide if sending out the letter was wrong or not, but they stress that they have not meant to offend anyone. “We have had reactions from people who feel offended, so all we can do is apologize and try to explain that sometimes we need to give this kind of information and it is important it is not taken out of its context," said Hesam Akbari at the Stockholm police information department to Sveriges Radio (SR). Akbari added that the perpetrators in this case have come to Sweden solely for this purpose and are not Swedish residents. According to Gonzalez, the federation understands that information has to be sent out to residents warning them of current criminal activity. "But they could warn residents that the perpetrators are from countries other than Sweden, they don't have to link them to specific countries like they did in this case," Gonzalez told The Local.
The Local Sweden
Pig’s head and racist graffiti at mosque site (UK)
Racist graffiti was spray-painted by a Hucknall man on a site earmarked for a Muslim mosque, a court has heard.
Christopher Payne (25), of Beardsmore Grove, was also with a gang who paraded a severed pig’s head, daubed with an anti-Muslim message, at the same spot.
Payne appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court this week and pleaded guilty to causing racially or religiously-aggravated alarm, harassment or distress by words or writing.
He also admitted causing racially-aggravated criminal damage.
Payne is an events organiser for the English Defence League (EDL) — a group that claims to protect against “radical Islam’s encroachment into the lives of non-Muslims”.
In court, he admitted spray-painting the slogan ‘No Mosque Here EDL Notts’ on the pavement at the site near Collington Way, off Derby Road, West Bridgford.
He denied placing the pig’s head on a four-foot high, yellow pole at the location. But he admitte he had been part of the group that travelled to the spot with the head.
The graffiti was discovered on Thursday last week (June 23) by a member of the public along with a severed pig’s head. Payne was arrested last Saturday.
The court heard he was in a pub in Clifton with fellow members of the EDL when he received a text-message from a friend who had the pig’s head.
Daniel Pietryka (prosecuting), said: “It was brought to the pub in a bin liner.”
Mr Pietryka said Payne admitted to the graffiti but had wanted no involvement in placing the pig’s head.
Robert Keeble (defending) said: “Mr Payne accepts that, on arrival, he did use a can of spray paint to write the graffiti on the pavement. He says he did nothing else after that.
“He accepts he received communication from another and that he accepted the pig’s head when it was brought to the pub.
“He accepts that he knew what was going on and did nothing to prevent it.”
District Judge Morris Cooper adjourned sentencing of Payne until Thursday July 21 so a pre-sentence report could be produced by probation officers.
But he warned the 25-year-old that all sentencing options were still open, including custody.
He told him: “You were involved in a course of conduct with others which involved the display of this pig’s head on a stake with grossly offensive comments written on it.”
Payne was granted conditional bail, despite police concerns. He is subject to a curfew between 10 pm and 5 am daily.
He has also been ordered to stay out of West Bridgford and must not go within 200 metres of a mosque.
Payne must also have no public association with the English Defence League.
THREE other men, including Wayne Havercroft, of Bestwood Village, have also been charged in connection with the racist behaviour.
Havercroft (31) appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court alongside Nicholas Long (21), of Arnold, and Robert Parnham (19), of Clifton.
The trio admitted causing religiously aggravated alarm, harassment or distress. But all three denied a second charge of religiously-aggravated criminal damage.
Their cases were adjourned until Monday September 5 when they will appear at the court again.
Hucknall Dispatch
Christopher Payne (25), of Beardsmore Grove, was also with a gang who paraded a severed pig’s head, daubed with an anti-Muslim message, at the same spot.
Payne appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court this week and pleaded guilty to causing racially or religiously-aggravated alarm, harassment or distress by words or writing.
He also admitted causing racially-aggravated criminal damage.
Payne is an events organiser for the English Defence League (EDL) — a group that claims to protect against “radical Islam’s encroachment into the lives of non-Muslims”.
In court, he admitted spray-painting the slogan ‘No Mosque Here EDL Notts’ on the pavement at the site near Collington Way, off Derby Road, West Bridgford.
He denied placing the pig’s head on a four-foot high, yellow pole at the location. But he admitte he had been part of the group that travelled to the spot with the head.
The graffiti was discovered on Thursday last week (June 23) by a member of the public along with a severed pig’s head. Payne was arrested last Saturday.
The court heard he was in a pub in Clifton with fellow members of the EDL when he received a text-message from a friend who had the pig’s head.
Daniel Pietryka (prosecuting), said: “It was brought to the pub in a bin liner.”
Mr Pietryka said Payne admitted to the graffiti but had wanted no involvement in placing the pig’s head.
Robert Keeble (defending) said: “Mr Payne accepts that, on arrival, he did use a can of spray paint to write the graffiti on the pavement. He says he did nothing else after that.
“He accepts he received communication from another and that he accepted the pig’s head when it was brought to the pub.
“He accepts that he knew what was going on and did nothing to prevent it.”
District Judge Morris Cooper adjourned sentencing of Payne until Thursday July 21 so a pre-sentence report could be produced by probation officers.
But he warned the 25-year-old that all sentencing options were still open, including custody.
He told him: “You were involved in a course of conduct with others which involved the display of this pig’s head on a stake with grossly offensive comments written on it.”
Payne was granted conditional bail, despite police concerns. He is subject to a curfew between 10 pm and 5 am daily.
He has also been ordered to stay out of West Bridgford and must not go within 200 metres of a mosque.
Payne must also have no public association with the English Defence League.
THREE other men, including Wayne Havercroft, of Bestwood Village, have also been charged in connection with the racist behaviour.
Havercroft (31) appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court alongside Nicholas Long (21), of Arnold, and Robert Parnham (19), of Clifton.
The trio admitted causing religiously aggravated alarm, harassment or distress. But all three denied a second charge of religiously-aggravated criminal damage.
Their cases were adjourned until Monday September 5 when they will appear at the court again.
Hucknall Dispatch
Anti-Islam insults 'not acceptable' in city protest march (UK)
Muslim leaders say insults against Islam during a march in Cambridge by the English Defence League (EDL) will not be acceptable.
The newly-formed Cambridge Muslim Council has issued a policy statement in response to the far-right group’s rally on Saturday, July 9.
It has also called on Muslims not to take part in the counter-protest arranged by Unite Against Fascism and the Trades Union Council.
Muslims are being urged not to resort to violence and to ignore any taunts from the marchers protesting against the building of a mosque in Mill Road.
The group’s emergency response committee said: “We wholeheartedly embrace everyone’s democratic right to freedom of expression. Nevertheless we emphasise that with this right comes responsibility. We hope the sensitivities of the Muslim community will not be infringed.
“The usage of disparaging remarks, insults or any incendiary allusion to our beliefs, values, or to any of what Muslims hold sacred, will not be acceptable.
“The Muslim community will not resort to any counter-protest or deploy any violent means.”
It also announced “routine affairs within the mosques will not be suspended on the day” but added: “We have serious concerns about the safety and security of sites of religious importance, properties and members of our community.
“We are ready to extend all possible co-operation to the police and emergency services to ensure nothing untoward happens in that hour of extreme urgency.
“We request all members of the wider Muslim community (local and national) to show their support through solidarity of ideals rather than violent altercation on the day.
“We encourage them to engage their local community in constructive dialogue.”
It appealed to Muslim groups outside Cambridge not to come for the march.
Mirza Baig, vice-chairman of the council, told the News: “We hope it will be business as usual in Cambridge on the day of the march and ask Muslim groups outside of Cambridge to stay away. We do not want to make this march more than it is.”
Police have said they will not tolerate violence.
EDL leader Tommy Robinson expects around 400 protesters.
A member of the group was refused a breakfast booking for 1,000 people at The Regal pub, St Andrew’s Street.
Cambridge news
The newly-formed Cambridge Muslim Council has issued a policy statement in response to the far-right group’s rally on Saturday, July 9.
It has also called on Muslims not to take part in the counter-protest arranged by Unite Against Fascism and the Trades Union Council.
Muslims are being urged not to resort to violence and to ignore any taunts from the marchers protesting against the building of a mosque in Mill Road.
The group’s emergency response committee said: “We wholeheartedly embrace everyone’s democratic right to freedom of expression. Nevertheless we emphasise that with this right comes responsibility. We hope the sensitivities of the Muslim community will not be infringed.
“The usage of disparaging remarks, insults or any incendiary allusion to our beliefs, values, or to any of what Muslims hold sacred, will not be acceptable.
“The Muslim community will not resort to any counter-protest or deploy any violent means.”
It also announced “routine affairs within the mosques will not be suspended on the day” but added: “We have serious concerns about the safety and security of sites of religious importance, properties and members of our community.
“We are ready to extend all possible co-operation to the police and emergency services to ensure nothing untoward happens in that hour of extreme urgency.
“We request all members of the wider Muslim community (local and national) to show their support through solidarity of ideals rather than violent altercation on the day.
“We encourage them to engage their local community in constructive dialogue.”
It appealed to Muslim groups outside Cambridge not to come for the march.
Mirza Baig, vice-chairman of the council, told the News: “We hope it will be business as usual in Cambridge on the day of the march and ask Muslim groups outside of Cambridge to stay away. We do not want to make this march more than it is.”
Police have said they will not tolerate violence.
EDL leader Tommy Robinson expects around 400 protesters.
A member of the group was refused a breakfast booking for 1,000 people at The Regal pub, St Andrew’s Street.
Cambridge news
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