Terry Jones, the pastor whose Quran-burning event on Mar. 20 triggered mob violence that resulted in at least 11 deaths in Afghanistan on Friday, offered a fiery response to the bloodletting.
The killings are "a very tragic and criminal action," he said in a statement. "We must hold these countries and people accountable for what they have done as well as for any excuses they may use to promote their terrorist activities."
Fiery rhetoric has been a hallmark of Mr. Jones's leadership of the tiny flock at Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, Fla.
Read the full item at Wall Street Journal
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Judge rules for group touting anti-Islam ad on Metro buses (Detroit, USA)
A national group that wants to advertise its anti-Muslim messages on Metro Detroit buses has won the right to display their ads on the sides of local buses.
The ads, which will soon be ready to go on the side of some local public buses, read "Fatwa on your head? Leaving Islam? Refuge from Islam.com. Got questions? Get answers!" The controversial ads from the New York City-based American Freedom Defense Initiative group are aimed at people who want to leave the Islamic faith.
Metro Detroit has one of the highest concentrations of Muslims in the nation.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Denise Hood granted a preliminary injunction against the Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority's rejection of the ads, ruling SMART violated the group's First and 14th Amendment rights. Both sides are due back in court April 11.
"This is a huge win, not just for us, but for the First Amendment," Pamela Geller wrote on the American Freedom Defense Initiative's website.
"This is a direct refutation to all those who claim I am a hater or that my lawyers are 'haters' for representing me," added Geller. "I love, not hate."
Local Muslim activist Dawud Walid sees it differently.
"The organization … is simply fomenting Islamophobia," said Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Michigan). "(Geller) is simply engaging in fear mongering."
Victor Begg, also a Muslim advocate, said the case is "is another example of a hate group taking advantage of our First Amendment."
The "Quran states 'there is no compulsion in religion' so those who want to leave Islam can freely do so," Begg, the senior adviser for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, added.
Geller also runs Stop Islamization of America, a group referred to as an anti-Muslim hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center.
SMART spokeswoman Beth Gibbons said the transportation agency had no comment on the judge's order "while we decide how to move forward."
A year ago, SMART carried ads by the United Coalition of Reason as part of its campaign to reach out to atheists.
DET News
The ads, which will soon be ready to go on the side of some local public buses, read "Fatwa on your head? Leaving Islam? Refuge from Islam.com. Got questions? Get answers!" The controversial ads from the New York City-based American Freedom Defense Initiative group are aimed at people who want to leave the Islamic faith.
Metro Detroit has one of the highest concentrations of Muslims in the nation.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Denise Hood granted a preliminary injunction against the Southeastern Michigan Transportation Authority's rejection of the ads, ruling SMART violated the group's First and 14th Amendment rights. Both sides are due back in court April 11.
"This is a huge win, not just for us, but for the First Amendment," Pamela Geller wrote on the American Freedom Defense Initiative's website.
"This is a direct refutation to all those who claim I am a hater or that my lawyers are 'haters' for representing me," added Geller. "I love, not hate."
Local Muslim activist Dawud Walid sees it differently.
"The organization … is simply fomenting Islamophobia," said Walid, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Michigan). "(Geller) is simply engaging in fear mongering."
Victor Begg, also a Muslim advocate, said the case is "is another example of a hate group taking advantage of our First Amendment."
The "Quran states 'there is no compulsion in religion' so those who want to leave Islam can freely do so," Begg, the senior adviser for the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan, added.
Geller also runs Stop Islamization of America, a group referred to as an anti-Muslim hate group by the Southern Law Poverty Center.
SMART spokeswoman Beth Gibbons said the transportation agency had no comment on the judge's order "while we decide how to move forward."
A year ago, SMART carried ads by the United Coalition of Reason as part of its campaign to reach out to atheists.
DET News
Threats Of Violence Emanating From Some Right Wing Groups (South Africa)
According to Holborn right wing groupings, including the Geloftevolk Republican under the leadership of Andre Visagie - the former leader of the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging - and the Lion Brigade, have made threats alternatively against the State, the African National Congress, and black people in general.
She said that they appear to endorse revenge attacks by white South Africans against the perpetrators of farm attacks and the like but that there was no data available on how widely spread these sentiments were among whites.
Holborn said : "It is our sense that these racist sentiments represent at most a fringe view. However, if they are not condemned across the political and civil society spectrum, especially by minority groups themselves, then the view may take hold that these sentiments are more widely held than we believe to be the case.
"The risk also exists that the public expression of such views may incite violence."
It was their view that it was important for the police to take these threats very seriously, that they pursue the people making such threats and bring them before the courts.
Holborn lamented that "this is a precedent that has unfortunately not been set in South Africa".
Visagie, former AWB secretary-general, was arrested on Tuesday, for alleged possession of illegal weapons and ammunition, after the police allegedly recovered several home-made rifles, a 9mm pistol and ammunition at his home. He appeared in court and was released on R10,000 bail.
He left the AWB to lead the Geloftevolk Republicans group.
In accordance with a report by Die Burger on Thursday the Geloftevolk Republicans issued a statement : "There were warnings recently by the leader of the Lion Brigade [Leeubrigade] that a second Blood River was on its way and is being ignored by government.
"Therefore the ANC has to take what is coming their way."
According to Sapa neither group were immediately available for comment.
Holborn said that in many respects the views of the Geloftevolk and the Lion Brigade were the opposite side of the "kill the boer coin."
She said : "It is therefore our view that in not condemning the public singing of that song the ANC and its youth league has allowed a dangerous precedent to take root in South Africa.
"This is the precedent that it is acceptable to threaten violence against different racial or ethnic groups based solely on a persons' membership of such a group."
The song was declared as hate speech by the Equality Court.
News Time
She said that they appear to endorse revenge attacks by white South Africans against the perpetrators of farm attacks and the like but that there was no data available on how widely spread these sentiments were among whites.
Holborn said : "It is our sense that these racist sentiments represent at most a fringe view. However, if they are not condemned across the political and civil society spectrum, especially by minority groups themselves, then the view may take hold that these sentiments are more widely held than we believe to be the case.
"The risk also exists that the public expression of such views may incite violence."
It was their view that it was important for the police to take these threats very seriously, that they pursue the people making such threats and bring them before the courts.
Holborn lamented that "this is a precedent that has unfortunately not been set in South Africa".
Visagie, former AWB secretary-general, was arrested on Tuesday, for alleged possession of illegal weapons and ammunition, after the police allegedly recovered several home-made rifles, a 9mm pistol and ammunition at his home. He appeared in court and was released on R10,000 bail.
He left the AWB to lead the Geloftevolk Republicans group.
In accordance with a report by Die Burger on Thursday the Geloftevolk Republicans issued a statement : "There were warnings recently by the leader of the Lion Brigade [Leeubrigade] that a second Blood River was on its way and is being ignored by government.
"Therefore the ANC has to take what is coming their way."
According to Sapa neither group were immediately available for comment.
Holborn said that in many respects the views of the Geloftevolk and the Lion Brigade were the opposite side of the "kill the boer coin."
She said : "It is therefore our view that in not condemning the public singing of that song the ANC and its youth league has allowed a dangerous precedent to take root in South Africa.
"This is the precedent that it is acceptable to threaten violence against different racial or ethnic groups based solely on a persons' membership of such a group."
The song was declared as hate speech by the Equality Court.
News Time
Ex-preacher condemned for links with 'terrible' EDL (UK)
But groups across the community were this week moving to distance themselves – and condemn – the former preacher-turned-politician, whom the Courier can reveal is an activist with the far-right anti-Islamic English Defence League.
On Facebook Mr Ratcliffe, of Greggswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, had a link to an offensive joke about strapping pork on to oneself and running into a mosque.
The page also contains a picture depicting the Koran in a highly offensive light.
Mr Ratcliffe is the chairman of the Tunbridge Wells branch of the English Democrats party and told the Courier last year that he planned to stand for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in the elections this May .
Elsewhere on his home page, the 61-year-old grandfather made reference to "sending all Muslims back" and endorsed extremely insulting remarks made by others about the prophet Mohammed.
The former preacher at St Philip's Church in Sherwood also made inflammatory remarks that English girls needed to be on the lookout for gangs of Islamic rapists.
Nasir Jamil, the first Muslim councillor on Southborough Town Council and president of the West Kent Muslim Association, said: "This is absolutely concerning for all Muslims in this area.
"We believe in Christianity as well. The church always teaches people to love one another and they spread love and that people should love their neighbours."
Mr Jamil added he understood Mr Ratcliffe was no longer linked to St Philip's but said the Church of England should review its policy in order to "screen" the views of any people holding positions within its ranks.
"If they are spreading hate instead of love then it is very shocking for the whole community and not just the Muslims," said Mr Jamil. "We are a very thin minority in this area and we live very peacefully and we don't interfere with other people's matters.
"We are very much part of the community. Most of the people who live here are doctors saving people's lives."
He said: "But for the last year and few months there have been some events happening that are really disturbing us and we certainly condemn them. We are very shocked.
"There was a very offensive article in Hildenborough village magazine and that was very shocking for us here and a second event was some graffiti saying "Kill Muslims" on a bridge in Maidstone.
"We have not taken any action apart from letting the police know. We don't want any conflict in this area because it is very peaceful.
"It is very hurtful and they are not helping community coherence. We are trying to integrate.
"I have set up a group Christian and Muslim friendship group and we try to understand each other and we meet together and eat together and talk. It is going very well from a Muslim side and a Christian side. I am trying to bring the communities together and these things are damaging my work."
Meanwhile, the vicar of St Philip's, the Rev Brian Senior said Mr Ratcliffe was a licensed reader, a volunteer lay position, from 2001 until 2007.
He added: "I wish to completely disassociate myself and St Philip's from those of the English Defence League. Mr Ratcliffe expressed none of these views during the time when he was a member of the church."
Paul Bentley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust's director of strategy and workforce confirmed Mr Ratcliffe had been assistant chaplain.
He added: "We exist to serve every member of our communities.
"The trust abhors racist, sexist or religious discrimination. Any member of staff expressing such views would be subject to stringent disciplinary procedures."
Diocese of Rochester spokesman Louise Whiffin added: "We have nothing further to add to the Rev Brian Senior's comments regarding Adrian Ratcliffe.
"We would, however, wish to give assurances that the Diocese of Rochester values its good interfaith relationships and we welcome opportunities to build on these links.
"The new Bishop of Rochester has begun to meet with leaders of different faith communities to strengthen these relationships."
This is Kent
Friday, 1 April 2011
Geert Wilders steps up anti-Islam rhetoric
The leader of hard-Right Dutch Freedom Party will be prosecuted in an Amsterdam court on April 13 for previous comparisons of Islam to Nazism.
On Thursday he fuelled the controversy surrounding his anti-Muslim politics and trial by publishing an article citing academics who accuse Islam's founder of crimes ranging from child rape to murder.
"The historical Mohammad was the savage leader of a gang of robbers from Medina. Without scruples they looted, raped and murdered," Mr Wilders claimed in the Dutch magazine HP/De Tijd.
In the article, Mr Wilders, whose Freedom Party MPs control the balance of power in the Dutch parliament, attacked fines levied on an Austrian feminist "for insulting a religion by calling Mohammad a paedophile".
"However, that is the truth," he wrote, citing the Muslim prophet's consummation of a marriage to a wife who claimed she was a child aged nine at the time.
Mr Wilders, who lives under police protection following attempts by Islamist terrorists on his life, hypothesised that Mohammad suffered from a brain tumour causing the "paranoid schizophrenia" that led him to found the Muslim faith.
"Mohammad had an unhinged paranoid personality with an inferiority complex and megalomaniac tendencies. In his forties he starts having visions that lead him to believe he has a cosmic mission, and there is no stopping him," he wrote.
In a ruling on Wednesday, an Amsterdam court ruled that Dutch prosecutors were entitled to indict Mr Wilders, if found guilty, he could face up to a year in jail or a £6,700 fine.
Telegraph
Czech court permits extremist party marches through Krupka
The Workers' Social Justice Party (Dělnická strana sociální spravedlnosti - DSSS) will be able to march through the North Bohemian town of Krupka on the first Saturday in April. The Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem issued the decision yesterday.
"The Regional Court lifted the town of Krupka's ban because it was not properly justified," court spokesperson Iva Jeřábková told news server Romea.cz. Town officials justified their ban of the marches, which were announced for every Saturday in April, by saying they would complicate transportation and supplies to grocery stores, which the court said was not a sufficient reason.
The leaders of the Krupka town hall disagree with the verdict. "We believe we were justified in banning the march and that our ban was in accordance with the law. Nevertheless, we have no choice but to respect the court's decision," town hall secretary František Růžička told the daily Právo. Růžička noted that similar marches through the town in the past incurred problems. "We had to take traffic and other measures, such as clearing away trash cans so no one could use them as barricades," the secretary said. "We have no choice but to respect the court's decision and prepare the citizens for possible unrest," Růžička said.
Ilona Novotná, spokesperson for the police in Teplice, told the Czech Press Agency they were aware of the planned DSSS actions. She said police were taking measures to ensure order in Krupka.
The official purpose of the DSSS march is "familiarizing the citizens with the domestic political situation in the the entire Czech Republic (ČR) and the situation worldwide." In reality, however, promoters of the party - the successor to the Workers' Party, which was dissolved by the court -want to once again spark tensions between members of the majority society and the Roma minority. This time party promoters will be using the case of a brutally beaten and raped "white" boy to aid them. The Roma perpetrator of the crime was first sentenced to 10 years in prison, but two weeks ago the High Court reduced that sentence by half.
Romea
"The Regional Court lifted the town of Krupka's ban because it was not properly justified," court spokesperson Iva Jeřábková told news server Romea.cz. Town officials justified their ban of the marches, which were announced for every Saturday in April, by saying they would complicate transportation and supplies to grocery stores, which the court said was not a sufficient reason.
The leaders of the Krupka town hall disagree with the verdict. "We believe we were justified in banning the march and that our ban was in accordance with the law. Nevertheless, we have no choice but to respect the court's decision," town hall secretary František Růžička told the daily Právo. Růžička noted that similar marches through the town in the past incurred problems. "We had to take traffic and other measures, such as clearing away trash cans so no one could use them as barricades," the secretary said. "We have no choice but to respect the court's decision and prepare the citizens for possible unrest," Růžička said.
Ilona Novotná, spokesperson for the police in Teplice, told the Czech Press Agency they were aware of the planned DSSS actions. She said police were taking measures to ensure order in Krupka.
The official purpose of the DSSS march is "familiarizing the citizens with the domestic political situation in the the entire Czech Republic (ČR) and the situation worldwide." In reality, however, promoters of the party - the successor to the Workers' Party, which was dissolved by the court -want to once again spark tensions between members of the majority society and the Roma minority. This time party promoters will be using the case of a brutally beaten and raped "white" boy to aid them. The Roma perpetrator of the crime was first sentenced to 10 years in prison, but two weeks ago the High Court reduced that sentence by half.
Romea
12-year-old boy charged with anti-Muslim hate crime in scarf incident (USA)
A 12-year-old boy, who has been accused of trying to rip the head scarf off of a Muslim classmate during recess, was arrested at school Wednesday on hate crime charges.
The boy is a sixth grader at the Dreyfus Intermediate School in Staten Island, N.Y. Police charged the boy as a juvenile, reports CBS station WCBS.
Police and school officials say the boy has a history of harassing the girl, taunting her and threatening her on at least four separate occasions.
The police report says he asked, "Are you Muslim?," while trying to remove her scarf.
The girl suffered minor injuries. The case will be handled in family court.
The 12-year-old is also facing disciplinary charges at school.
CBS News
The boy is a sixth grader at the Dreyfus Intermediate School in Staten Island, N.Y. Police charged the boy as a juvenile, reports CBS station WCBS.
Police and school officials say the boy has a history of harassing the girl, taunting her and threatening her on at least four separate occasions.
The police report says he asked, "Are you Muslim?," while trying to remove her scarf.
The girl suffered minor injuries. The case will be handled in family court.
The 12-year-old is also facing disciplinary charges at school.
CBS News
UEFA ADMITS HOOLIGAN CONCERNS (Poland)
UEFA has admitted concerns that Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland have hooliganism issues "around every matchday in the league".
UEFA's director of Euro 2012, Martin Kallen, has accepted that Poland - co-hosts for the tournament along with Ukraine - have a "huge image problem". In January, a 24-year-old man died during a clash between over 100 rival fans in Lodz while, after Poland's friendly in Lithuania last week, 60 fans were detained after bottles, flares and benches were thrown at police.
There are also overt neo-Nazi groups. at the tournament, and the Polish government has announced plans to tighten security, including the introduction of electronic ankle tethers to monitor the movements of the 1,800 fans banned from matches. Kallen told the Soccerex conference in Manchester: "On the hooligan side, we are concerned, but I know the Polish government is also concerned. "They know they have a problem - they have a huge image problem. There are always hooligans around every matchday in the league but the government is making the right steps for the future. "What we saw at last Friday's match was not a very good picture to see that happening in a stadium. We and the Polish government are concerned.
They are taking this seriously and will have changes in the next month." Kallen also believes the number of families at the tournament will create a different atmosphere to Polish league games. He added: "For the Euro, different people will be coming to matches - there will be more families. The Euro is a party and in many areas there is more a problem on a daily basis for club matches." Marcin Herra, head of Poland 2012, said there was no possibility of the tournament being moved - "We have no other way," he said - but stressed that there will be severe measures in force to keep the hooligans under control. "The minority cannot spoil the event for the majority," he said. "In Poland, the new legislation allows us to work much more precisely against those hooligans. There will be zero tolerance to make sure that 500 people cannot spoil the event for one million people."
ESPN SoccerNet
UEFA's director of Euro 2012, Martin Kallen, has accepted that Poland - co-hosts for the tournament along with Ukraine - have a "huge image problem". In January, a 24-year-old man died during a clash between over 100 rival fans in Lodz while, after Poland's friendly in Lithuania last week, 60 fans were detained after bottles, flares and benches were thrown at police.
There are also overt neo-Nazi groups. at the tournament, and the Polish government has announced plans to tighten security, including the introduction of electronic ankle tethers to monitor the movements of the 1,800 fans banned from matches. Kallen told the Soccerex conference in Manchester: "On the hooligan side, we are concerned, but I know the Polish government is also concerned. "They know they have a problem - they have a huge image problem. There are always hooligans around every matchday in the league but the government is making the right steps for the future. "What we saw at last Friday's match was not a very good picture to see that happening in a stadium. We and the Polish government are concerned.
They are taking this seriously and will have changes in the next month." Kallen also believes the number of families at the tournament will create a different atmosphere to Polish league games. He added: "For the Euro, different people will be coming to matches - there will be more families. The Euro is a party and in many areas there is more a problem on a daily basis for club matches." Marcin Herra, head of Poland 2012, said there was no possibility of the tournament being moved - "We have no other way," he said - but stressed that there will be severe measures in force to keep the hooligans under control. "The minority cannot spoil the event for the majority," he said. "In Poland, the new legislation allows us to work much more precisely against those hooligans. There will be zero tolerance to make sure that 500 people cannot spoil the event for one million people."
ESPN SoccerNet
2 linked to racist gang arraigned in '09 shooting (USA)
Two men alleged to be part of a white supremacist gang have been arraigned on federal conspiracy and other charges relating to the 2009 shooting of another gang associate.
A Justice Department statement said Joshua Mark Bodine, 31, of Vidor, and John Oliver Manning, 59, of Pasadena, are charged in a federal indictment opened on Thursday with violent crimes in support of racketeering.
The pair was arraigned Thursday in Beaumont on counts that include conspiracy to assault, assault and assorted firearms and drug charges.
The statement said the two are members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and are accused of shooting and wounding a fellow gang associate in Nederland. Messages left with their attorneys on Thursday weren't returned.
If convicted, Bodine and Manning could get life in prison.
Chron
A Justice Department statement said Joshua Mark Bodine, 31, of Vidor, and John Oliver Manning, 59, of Pasadena, are charged in a federal indictment opened on Thursday with violent crimes in support of racketeering.
The pair was arraigned Thursday in Beaumont on counts that include conspiracy to assault, assault and assorted firearms and drug charges.
The statement said the two are members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and are accused of shooting and wounding a fellow gang associate in Nederland. Messages left with their attorneys on Thursday weren't returned.
If convicted, Bodine and Manning could get life in prison.
Chron
Wasted EDL Halifax division hunted by Police for chanting ‘lets all kill a Muslim, ta dah da dah’ on a train to Rochdale demo. (Reposted from the expose Blog, UK)
Admin comment; Re-posted in support of the Expose team. Please visit their blog and support their effort in exposing the EDL and other racists on-line.
Wasted EDL Halifax division hunted by Police for chanting ‘lets all kill a Muslim, ta dah da dah’ on a train to Rochdale demo.
Wasted EDL Halifax division hunted by Police for chanting ‘lets all kill a Muslim, ta dah da dah’ on a train to Rochdale demo.
By Darcy Jones
And we know who they are.
As EDL leaders Stephen Lennon and Guramit Singh today began their press ‘hearts and minds’ campaign to ease the fears Blackburn residents hold in the run up to another divisive ‘demo’ this Saturday, their division’s conduct yet AGAIN blows their bullshit out of the window.
In Stephens most recent press release he says “They accuse us of dividing communities. How? By telling the truth?”
I’ll show you how.
The Halifax division aware their shocking conduct has been reported to the police today attempted to remove any evidence, like er, videos uploaded to youtube.
Which video? You mean this one?
Just. Shocking. A carriage full of very drunk, probably high, aggressive EDL supporters singing ‘lets all kill a Muslim’ (1:20) on the way to an English Defence League demonstration. We at expose spend a fair amount of time ripping the shit out of the EDL because in all fairness 80% of the time they are very funny but in this instance, I have two words. Fucking. Animals.
In his press release Stephen asks: “Why do some people still believe that the EDL racist? Because that’s what they really want to believe! They want us to be the bad guys, and for everyone else to believe that too, because perhaps then people won’t realise how clueless groups like Socialist Worker and the UAF really are”….. bullshit. People believe Stephen’s EDL are not only racist but fuelled by religious hatred, violence and possess the social skills of chimpanzees because his own divisions regularly upload the indisputable evidence of such to youtube. Socialist workers party and UAF smear campaign, are you fucking joking Stephen?
So, the police are keen to track down those responsible for what must have been a terrifying train journey for the people Stephens bunch of c**ts claim to defend. God bless FACEBOOK’s tagging function and half wits. A winning combo
Hi Andrew Kelly & Scott Taylor.
Guramit Singh states in his wee BBC blurb today in regard to measures to make this Saturday’s demo peaceful “We don’t expect trouble at all. I understand that our organisation attracts some unsavoury characters from the community and some of them left a racist stigma, but we’re getting away from that”. In which case I will presume the entire Halifax division will not be in attendance this Saturday? Yeah right. Another EDL leader so full of shit I don’t know how he gets his trousers done up. We hope EDL leadership will take this evidence so keenly sought straight to transport police but just in case they ‘forget’ we will just go ahead and do that for them.
And while I’m pulling today’s ‘Stephen Lennon’s jackanory’ effort apart I’ll just draw his attention to a mosque the EDL DID attack.“One example that comes to mind is when Socialist Worker reported that Bolton Mosque had been attacked on the eve of our demonstration in the city. They made it really clear that we were almost definitely to blame. But, of course, the incident had nothing to do with the EDL - and the police were all too happy to make this clear to the local community”.
The socialist worker may have wrongly reported the EDL attacked a Mosque in Bolton, (I wouldn’t take his word for that mind) but I’m accurately reporting your boys have been charged with screwing around with a gas main to blow up a Mosque in Hanley. And that’s FACT. Suck that up you pathological liar.
http://exposingon.tumblr.com/post/4160147694/english-defence-league-activist-charged-with-arson
Lulz, You know when I’m not fucking around with this lot when I refuse to use Stephen’s shite ‘ode to a psycho football hooligan’ pseudonym, no Tommy Tommy for you. You and yer crew are ass holes.
Darcy Jones.
Reposting of this blog would be particularly appreciated to get the true messgae of the EDL out there x
Many thanks to Thelma Fontaine & Rosie Geefe
Guramit’s bullshit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12917467
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Alleged Aryan Brotherhood member gets 32 years in rape of teen (USA)
A man who the District Attorney's Office claims is a member of the Aryan Brotherhood has been sentenced to 32 years in prison for raping his girlfriend's teenage daughter.
Rodney Wayne Price, 43, could spend up to the rest of his life on parole as a registered sex offender after he is released from prison.
The sentence, handed down by 3rd Judicial District Court Judge Fernando Macias, was filed Tuesday.
The 15-year-old victim told her mother of the attack, but her mother refused to believe her and insisted the girl was lying so she could break up the couple, said senior trial prosecutor Michelle Pickett.
It wasn't until the girl returned to O-ate High School and confided in the school's resource officer that Las Cruces police were called and a subsequent sexual assault examination found the man's semen inside the girl.
Read more Las Cruces Daily News
Rodney Wayne Price, 43, could spend up to the rest of his life on parole as a registered sex offender after he is released from prison.
The sentence, handed down by 3rd Judicial District Court Judge Fernando Macias, was filed Tuesday.
The 15-year-old victim told her mother of the attack, but her mother refused to believe her and insisted the girl was lying so she could break up the couple, said senior trial prosecutor Michelle Pickett.
It wasn't until the girl returned to O-ate High School and confided in the school's resource officer that Las Cruces police were called and a subsequent sexual assault examination found the man's semen inside the girl.
Read more Las Cruces Daily News
Sweden targets religious prejudice
Sweden's government has announced plans to chart the extent of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in the country, as it attempts to counteract the spread of intolerance towards minorities.
The government is to task the state-run Living History Forum (Forum för levande historia) with preparing a report on the issue by August 19th. The public agency will compile all relevant data and examine the possible causes of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Sweden.
Integration minister Erik Ullenhag, from the centre-right Liberal Party (Folkpartiet), told newspaper Dagens Nyheter that upgrading the status of history as a school subject was one possible step that could be taken to arrest the development of religious prejudices in the country.
“Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are particularly serious, since they are forms of ideologized hatred,” Ullenhag told The Local.
The minister said he had noted a tendency in the Swedish debate whereby both Jews and Muslims in Sweden were held collectively accountable for matters over which they had no control.
“Jews in Sweden are held accountable for what the Israeli government does, and the Muslim group has been met with suspicion ever since the 11th of September as potential terrorists,” said Ullenhag.
“What worries me an awful lot is that, in my conversations (with both groups), I’m receiving signals that both Jews and Muslims are testifying to being the subject of harassment because of their religious symbols.”
Ullenhag met with representatives from the Swedish Muslim community in January in an attempt to develop a strategy for combating Islamophobia in the wake of a Stockholm suicide bombing that terrified Christmas shoppers and left the attacker dead.
The suicide bombing risked resulting in suspicions being cast against hundreds of thousands of Swedish Muslims, Ullenhag explained at the time.
The minister also cited a recent study from the Forum for Living History which found that the level of tolerance among Swedish youth for Muslim, Jews, and Roma had decreased in recent years.
The Local Sweden
The government is to task the state-run Living History Forum (Forum för levande historia) with preparing a report on the issue by August 19th. The public agency will compile all relevant data and examine the possible causes of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in Sweden.
Integration minister Erik Ullenhag, from the centre-right Liberal Party (Folkpartiet), told newspaper Dagens Nyheter that upgrading the status of history as a school subject was one possible step that could be taken to arrest the development of religious prejudices in the country.
“Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are particularly serious, since they are forms of ideologized hatred,” Ullenhag told The Local.
The minister said he had noted a tendency in the Swedish debate whereby both Jews and Muslims in Sweden were held collectively accountable for matters over which they had no control.
“Jews in Sweden are held accountable for what the Israeli government does, and the Muslim group has been met with suspicion ever since the 11th of September as potential terrorists,” said Ullenhag.
“What worries me an awful lot is that, in my conversations (with both groups), I’m receiving signals that both Jews and Muslims are testifying to being the subject of harassment because of their religious symbols.”
Ullenhag met with representatives from the Swedish Muslim community in January in an attempt to develop a strategy for combating Islamophobia in the wake of a Stockholm suicide bombing that terrified Christmas shoppers and left the attacker dead.
The suicide bombing risked resulting in suspicions being cast against hundreds of thousands of Swedish Muslims, Ullenhag explained at the time.
The minister also cited a recent study from the Forum for Living History which found that the level of tolerance among Swedish youth for Muslim, Jews, and Roma had decreased in recent years.
The Local Sweden
Nowhere man; a Searchlight report into BNP leader wannabe Eddy Butler.
Nowhere man
As part of our series looking at the wider British right, Searchlight assesses the prospects for Eddy Butler.
After Eddy Butler failed last summer to surmount the impossibly high hurdles that Nick Griffin placed in the way of anyone hoping to challenge his leadership of the British National Party, the big question among Butler’s supporters was whether to keep on fighting within the BNP or form a new party.
Butler was against a new party. He had been there before and in surprisingly similar circumstances. Shortly after Griffin replaced John Tyndall as BNP leader in 1999, the party’s treasurer and deputy chairman accused Griffin of financial wrongdoing. Griffin responded as he always does, by expelling his accusers. Butler and several others left the BNP in disgust and in December 2000 formed the Freedom Party.
Apart from getting one councillor elected in South Staffordshire in 2003 the Freedom Party made little impact and by 2006 was dead. Butler had already returned to Griffin’s side in 2003 after realising that the BNP, which had won three councillors in Burnley in May 2002, had the better prospects.
Butler’s opposition to forming a new party proved prescient. In October 2010 some of his former supporters, together with others who had fallen foul of Griffin, set up the British Freedom Party. They soon fell out with each other publicly and nastily, its leadership went through a number of changes and although it may field a few candidates in this year’s local elections, it has zero public profile and no attractive personalities.
Butler and many of his supporters believed that the future for the far right remained in the BNP. Whereas many disillusioned members were leaving the party, Butler urged supporters to renew their membership so they could vote in a future leadership election. He went to great trouble to contribute to a “consultation” on changes to the party’s constitution, only to have his effort rejected.
However, if Butler thought he could carry on agitating against Griffin inside the BNP, he must have been very naïve, surprisingly so for someone who has been active on the far right for 30 years and has an honours degree in history and politics. Butler was first suspended from the BNP, then expelled, though he retains his employment on the European Parliament payroll with Andrew Brons MEP, who has maintained a somewhat uncomfortable fence-sitting position between Butler and Griffin.
On 24 December Butler changed his view on whether party members should renew. Reminding his readers of Griffin’s financial mismanagement, which had left the party with debts of over £500,000, Butler declared that members get: “No chance to vote on anything, no chance to decide anything. He [Griffin] will never allow anyone any chance to vote on anything.” Griffin had to be “starved out” said Butler, adding: “This is harsh but it is the only way.”
Since then Butler has continued waging war on Griffin from the comfort of his blog. Many of his articles, and those of a handful of guest writers, contain insightful analysis and plenty of useful information for anti-fascists. But it is unclear quite where Butler hopes to go. Constant calls for Griffin to be removed are not accompanied by any strategy for achieving that aim.
The BNP constitution, which requires a challenger to obtain the support of 20% of all party members of at least two years’ standing, remains in place and it is unclear when changes discussed at last year’s BNP conference might be put to a vote. The first problem a challenger faces is to find out which members to canvass, as the party does not supply a list.
Nevertheless a group of party members grouped under the banner of BNP Reform 2011 has said a leadership challenge will be mounted this summer, although: “To protect the candidate and ensure he/she is not expelled or suspended before the period for leadership nominations we shall not be revealing his/her identity at this time.”
BNP Reform 2011 is independent of Butler, though many of its members supported him last year and Butler has condemned Griffin’s moves against the group. Several prominent party activists have been suspended recently by Griffin’s henchman Adam Walker, the BNP’s national organiser, simply for attending reform meetings.
Read more Searchlight
As part of our series looking at the wider British right, Searchlight assesses the prospects for Eddy Butler.
After Eddy Butler failed last summer to surmount the impossibly high hurdles that Nick Griffin placed in the way of anyone hoping to challenge his leadership of the British National Party, the big question among Butler’s supporters was whether to keep on fighting within the BNP or form a new party.
Butler was against a new party. He had been there before and in surprisingly similar circumstances. Shortly after Griffin replaced John Tyndall as BNP leader in 1999, the party’s treasurer and deputy chairman accused Griffin of financial wrongdoing. Griffin responded as he always does, by expelling his accusers. Butler and several others left the BNP in disgust and in December 2000 formed the Freedom Party.
Apart from getting one councillor elected in South Staffordshire in 2003 the Freedom Party made little impact and by 2006 was dead. Butler had already returned to Griffin’s side in 2003 after realising that the BNP, which had won three councillors in Burnley in May 2002, had the better prospects.
Butler’s opposition to forming a new party proved prescient. In October 2010 some of his former supporters, together with others who had fallen foul of Griffin, set up the British Freedom Party. They soon fell out with each other publicly and nastily, its leadership went through a number of changes and although it may field a few candidates in this year’s local elections, it has zero public profile and no attractive personalities.
Butler and many of his supporters believed that the future for the far right remained in the BNP. Whereas many disillusioned members were leaving the party, Butler urged supporters to renew their membership so they could vote in a future leadership election. He went to great trouble to contribute to a “consultation” on changes to the party’s constitution, only to have his effort rejected.
However, if Butler thought he could carry on agitating against Griffin inside the BNP, he must have been very naïve, surprisingly so for someone who has been active on the far right for 30 years and has an honours degree in history and politics. Butler was first suspended from the BNP, then expelled, though he retains his employment on the European Parliament payroll with Andrew Brons MEP, who has maintained a somewhat uncomfortable fence-sitting position between Butler and Griffin.
On 24 December Butler changed his view on whether party members should renew. Reminding his readers of Griffin’s financial mismanagement, which had left the party with debts of over £500,000, Butler declared that members get: “No chance to vote on anything, no chance to decide anything. He [Griffin] will never allow anyone any chance to vote on anything.” Griffin had to be “starved out” said Butler, adding: “This is harsh but it is the only way.”
Since then Butler has continued waging war on Griffin from the comfort of his blog. Many of his articles, and those of a handful of guest writers, contain insightful analysis and plenty of useful information for anti-fascists. But it is unclear quite where Butler hopes to go. Constant calls for Griffin to be removed are not accompanied by any strategy for achieving that aim.
The BNP constitution, which requires a challenger to obtain the support of 20% of all party members of at least two years’ standing, remains in place and it is unclear when changes discussed at last year’s BNP conference might be put to a vote. The first problem a challenger faces is to find out which members to canvass, as the party does not supply a list.
Nevertheless a group of party members grouped under the banner of BNP Reform 2011 has said a leadership challenge will be mounted this summer, although: “To protect the candidate and ensure he/she is not expelled or suspended before the period for leadership nominations we shall not be revealing his/her identity at this time.”
BNP Reform 2011 is independent of Butler, though many of its members supported him last year and Butler has condemned Griffin’s moves against the group. Several prominent party activists have been suspended recently by Griffin’s henchman Adam Walker, the BNP’s national organiser, simply for attending reform meetings.
Read more Searchlight
White supremacist group linked to murder (Harding County, USA)
The Hardin County sheriff says four people arrested on charges of murdering a man, putting his car in a trunk and setting the vehicle on fire, have admitted to their roles in the crime.
According to Sheriff Ed Cain, the suspects take pride in the crime and the fact they belong to a white supremacist group.
The sheriff says Kenny Don Stanley, 29, of Vidor, confessed to pulling the trigger and killing the 25-year-old victim.
He says three other people have admitted to taking part in the crime: Kristopher Guidry, 26, of Humble, Vickie Fitts, 47, of Hull, and Tanner Bourque, 31, of Bridge City.
Investigators aren't releasing the name of the victim because they're trying to positively identify him and notify his relatives.
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Cain revealed the four suspects are members of the Southern White Soldier gang. It's a spin-off of the Aryan Brotherhood.
Read more at KFDM News
According to Sheriff Ed Cain, the suspects take pride in the crime and the fact they belong to a white supremacist group.
The sheriff says Kenny Don Stanley, 29, of Vidor, confessed to pulling the trigger and killing the 25-year-old victim.
He says three other people have admitted to taking part in the crime: Kristopher Guidry, 26, of Humble, Vickie Fitts, 47, of Hull, and Tanner Bourque, 31, of Bridge City.
Investigators aren't releasing the name of the victim because they're trying to positively identify him and notify his relatives.
During a news conference Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff Cain revealed the four suspects are members of the Southern White Soldier gang. It's a spin-off of the Aryan Brotherhood.
Read more at KFDM News
Bill to outlaw neo-nazi activities submitted in Ukraine
The Donetsk Regional Council has sent an appeal demanding the adoption of a law prohibiting nationalist activities to the Ukrainian Parliment.
Itar-Tass reports that the initiator and author of the document, is a deputy of the regional council of the Communist Party of Ukraine, Irina Popova. According to her, in twenty years of independence, Ukrainian nationalism has been transformed into neo-fascism. It acquired a special impetus during the presidency of Victor Yushchenko, when they made heroes of Nazi henchmen and torturers, Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevich.
Their followers throughout Ukraine began to carry out neo-nazi marches and other activities.
The Voice of Russia
Itar-Tass reports that the initiator and author of the document, is a deputy of the regional council of the Communist Party of Ukraine, Irina Popova. According to her, in twenty years of independence, Ukrainian nationalism has been transformed into neo-fascism. It acquired a special impetus during the presidency of Victor Yushchenko, when they made heroes of Nazi henchmen and torturers, Stepan Bandera and Roman Shukhevich.
Their followers throughout Ukraine began to carry out neo-nazi marches and other activities.
The Voice of Russia
Nazi soldiers given highly addictive crystal meth to fight longer, harder
Even though Adolf Hitler's Nazi party rules stressed the importance of keeping fit by abstaining from drink and tobacco to keep the Aryan race strong and pure, it has emerged that his soldiers were taking addictive and damaging chemicals to fight longer and harder.
A study on the medicines used by the Third Reich revealed how Nazi doctors and officers issued recruits with pills to help them fight without rest.
The German army's drug of choice, as it overran Poland, Holland, Belgium and France, was Pervitin, pills made from methamphetamine, commonly known today as crystal meth.
Hundreds of thousands soldiers were addicted to the pills by the time the invasion of the Soviet Union was launched in 1941, and records of the Wehrmacht, the German army, show that some 200 million Pervitin pills were doled out to the troops between 1939 and 1945.
Research by the German Doctors' Association also showed the Nazis developed a cocaine-based stimulant for its front-line fighters that was tested on concentration camp inmates.
"It was Hitler's last secret weapon to win a war he had already lost long ago," the Daily Mail quoted criminologist Wolf Kemper, author of a German language book on the Third Reich's use of drugs called Nazis On Speed, as saying.
The drug, codenamed D-IX, was tested at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp north of Berlin, where prisoners loaded with 45lb packs were reported to have marched 70 miles without rest.
The plan was to give all soldiers in the crumbling Reich the wonder drug - but the invasion of Normandy in June 1944, coupled with crippling Allied bombing, scotched the scheme.
"The Blitzkrieg was fuelled by speed. The idea was to turn ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen into automatons capable of superhuman performance," a pharmacologist said.
Medical authorities say the downside of the plan was that many soldiers became helplessly addicted to drugs and were of no use in any theatre of war.
Otto Ranke, a military doctor and director of the Institute for General and Defence Physiology at Berlin's Academy of Military Medicine, was behind the Pervitin scheme.
DNA
A study on the medicines used by the Third Reich revealed how Nazi doctors and officers issued recruits with pills to help them fight without rest.
The German army's drug of choice, as it overran Poland, Holland, Belgium and France, was Pervitin, pills made from methamphetamine, commonly known today as crystal meth.
Hundreds of thousands soldiers were addicted to the pills by the time the invasion of the Soviet Union was launched in 1941, and records of the Wehrmacht, the German army, show that some 200 million Pervitin pills were doled out to the troops between 1939 and 1945.
Research by the German Doctors' Association also showed the Nazis developed a cocaine-based stimulant for its front-line fighters that was tested on concentration camp inmates.
"It was Hitler's last secret weapon to win a war he had already lost long ago," the Daily Mail quoted criminologist Wolf Kemper, author of a German language book on the Third Reich's use of drugs called Nazis On Speed, as saying.
The drug, codenamed D-IX, was tested at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp north of Berlin, where prisoners loaded with 45lb packs were reported to have marched 70 miles without rest.
The plan was to give all soldiers in the crumbling Reich the wonder drug - but the invasion of Normandy in June 1944, coupled with crippling Allied bombing, scotched the scheme.
"The Blitzkrieg was fuelled by speed. The idea was to turn ordinary soldiers, sailors and airmen into automatons capable of superhuman performance," a pharmacologist said.
Medical authorities say the downside of the plan was that many soldiers became helplessly addicted to drugs and were of no use in any theatre of war.
Otto Ranke, a military doctor and director of the Institute for General and Defence Physiology at Berlin's Academy of Military Medicine, was behind the Pervitin scheme.
DNA
Half of Lancashire disabled people victims of crime (UK)
Half of Lancashire’s disabled population have been victims of crime because of their condition, a shock study has revealed.
A major report has found ‘an incredibly high’ number of people in the county were ‘living in fear’ of disability hate crime.
Campaigners said problems included assaults, criminal damage and verbal abuse.
In one incident a man was pushed from his wheelchair ‘for fun’.
Now a campaign has been launched to support victims because the current system was found to be ‘failing’.
The report, by Lancashire Police and the county council, was compiled after questionnaires were sent to the county’s top 60 disabled people’s organisations.
It found:
* Two thirds of people were frightened of being targeted
* 13 per cent had moved house to avoid hate crime
* Nearly half believed they had been a victim of crime because of their disability in the past six months
The study, released for the first time today, also found 46 per cent of people feared being a victim of crime at least once a month, adding: “This is an incredibly high number of people that are living in fear.”
Many cases were not being reported, it said, because victims felt nothing would be done, were confused by paperwork and feared revenge attacks.
People who gave evidence to the inquiry reported a range of physical and verbal abuse.
One said: “I’ve been told that I’m no good…I’ve been shot at and I’ve been burgled five times.”
There was also a report of youths regularly stealing a man’s walking stick and demanding money before it was returned.
One person said they were abused because their white stick had clipped passers-by, while another kept having their scooter stolen.
Another said: “Police were not helpful, suggested I stay in to prevent it happening.
"This is an infringement on my liberty.”
Their accounts were echoed by Stephen Brookes, of Blackpool, who is coordinator of the national Disability Hate Crime Network.
Mr Brookes, who works with Lancashire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Hate can be verbal abuse, pushing and shoving and general intolerance.
“I'm used to being told to get out of the way.
"I've had a fractured spine, two heart attacks and strokes, so occasionally I don't feel like standing, but the aggression you meet asking people to move from a disabled seat on a bus is quite intense.
“At the worst level you get cases like David Askew, the man who was hounded to death in Manchester.
“The police were notified in his case, but so were social services and housing associations.
"Everybody knew but nobody did anything. If people work together like this, things could get sorted.”
Steve Allen, 57, of Burrell Avenue, Colne, has been campaigning for disabled people’s rights for several years.
He said: “More often than not young kids come banging on our windows and doors, shouting foul language because they know we can’t chase them.
“Something needs to be done and this does need clamping down on, but I believe these things happen because there isn’t enough for young people to do.”
Barry Whittle, 44, a disabled cyclist from Padiham who has suffered from spina bifida since birth, said he had encountered abuse when he was younger but was now more confident.
He said: “When I was a teenager I got the odd word called at me but I expected it.
"I don't look disabled, but for somebody in a wheelchair or who happens to look disabled it can be very hard.
Denise Baker, a wheelchair user and chief executive of the charity Access Lancashire, said she often received verbal abuse when using her wheelchair, often from young men in passing cars.
She said: “We're trying to raise awareness that disabled people don't need to put up with being abused, verbally or physically.
“If it's reported, to the police, to the council, or to organisations like us, something can be done about it.”
Police Superintendent Stuart Noble, chairman of the Safer Lancashire Board's Hate Crime Group, said: "Hate crime is something we just won't tolerate and we want to work together to tackle it.
"We're also looking at the reporting process to ensure it is accessible.
"We now have a better understanding of the issues that disabled people face because of hate crime and we are looking forward to working with our partners on this important project.
"We will also be running a wider hate crime campaign to make people aware of the problem so they have the confidence to report it and know we will take action to help them out."
Lancashire Telegraph
A major report has found ‘an incredibly high’ number of people in the county were ‘living in fear’ of disability hate crime.
Campaigners said problems included assaults, criminal damage and verbal abuse.
In one incident a man was pushed from his wheelchair ‘for fun’.
Now a campaign has been launched to support victims because the current system was found to be ‘failing’.
The report, by Lancashire Police and the county council, was compiled after questionnaires were sent to the county’s top 60 disabled people’s organisations.
It found:
* Two thirds of people were frightened of being targeted
* 13 per cent had moved house to avoid hate crime
* Nearly half believed they had been a victim of crime because of their disability in the past six months
The study, released for the first time today, also found 46 per cent of people feared being a victim of crime at least once a month, adding: “This is an incredibly high number of people that are living in fear.”
Many cases were not being reported, it said, because victims felt nothing would be done, were confused by paperwork and feared revenge attacks.
People who gave evidence to the inquiry reported a range of physical and verbal abuse.
One said: “I’ve been told that I’m no good…I’ve been shot at and I’ve been burgled five times.”
There was also a report of youths regularly stealing a man’s walking stick and demanding money before it was returned.
One person said they were abused because their white stick had clipped passers-by, while another kept having their scooter stolen.
Another said: “Police were not helpful, suggested I stay in to prevent it happening.
"This is an infringement on my liberty.”
Their accounts were echoed by Stephen Brookes, of Blackpool, who is coordinator of the national Disability Hate Crime Network.
Mr Brookes, who works with Lancashire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Hate can be verbal abuse, pushing and shoving and general intolerance.
“I'm used to being told to get out of the way.
"I've had a fractured spine, two heart attacks and strokes, so occasionally I don't feel like standing, but the aggression you meet asking people to move from a disabled seat on a bus is quite intense.
“At the worst level you get cases like David Askew, the man who was hounded to death in Manchester.
“The police were notified in his case, but so were social services and housing associations.
"Everybody knew but nobody did anything. If people work together like this, things could get sorted.”
Steve Allen, 57, of Burrell Avenue, Colne, has been campaigning for disabled people’s rights for several years.
He said: “More often than not young kids come banging on our windows and doors, shouting foul language because they know we can’t chase them.
“Something needs to be done and this does need clamping down on, but I believe these things happen because there isn’t enough for young people to do.”
Barry Whittle, 44, a disabled cyclist from Padiham who has suffered from spina bifida since birth, said he had encountered abuse when he was younger but was now more confident.
He said: “When I was a teenager I got the odd word called at me but I expected it.
"I don't look disabled, but for somebody in a wheelchair or who happens to look disabled it can be very hard.
Denise Baker, a wheelchair user and chief executive of the charity Access Lancashire, said she often received verbal abuse when using her wheelchair, often from young men in passing cars.
She said: “We're trying to raise awareness that disabled people don't need to put up with being abused, verbally or physically.
“If it's reported, to the police, to the council, or to organisations like us, something can be done about it.”
Police Superintendent Stuart Noble, chairman of the Safer Lancashire Board's Hate Crime Group, said: "Hate crime is something we just won't tolerate and we want to work together to tackle it.
"We're also looking at the reporting process to ensure it is accessible.
"We now have a better understanding of the issues that disabled people face because of hate crime and we are looking forward to working with our partners on this important project.
"We will also be running a wider hate crime campaign to make people aware of the problem so they have the confidence to report it and know we will take action to help them out."
Lancashire Telegraph
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Sikh Community issues Ultimatum to Guramit Singh, denounce EDL by Vaisakhi or face excommunication (UK)
The ultimatum calls for Guramit Singh from Nottingham to publically denounce and distance himself from the EDL by the end of the Vaisakhi festival.
Vaisakhi is a Sikh religious festival that falls on April 13 and it is one of the most significant occasions for the Sikhs, commemorating the establishment of the Khalsa (martial Sikhism) in 1699 by the 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh ji. This year will mark the 312th anniversary of this auspicious occasion and will be celebrated globally with recitals of religious hymns and prayers for world peace.
Should he (Guramit Singh) fail to do so the community will appeal to the highest political authority of the Sikhs, the Akal Takht in the holy city of Amritsar, Punjab, India to formally request excommunication orders for him to be permanently expelling from the Sikh faith for bringing it into disrepute.
The excommunication order, if passed could mean the EDL member being permanently shunned from all aspects of the Sikh community, although that would be an ultimate sanction.
It comes after the release of a joint statement condemning the EDL and its supporters from Sikh backgrounds. The joint statement which is supported by some of the UK’s largest Sikh Organisations and groups include Singh Sabha Gurdwara Southall (London) and Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha (Birmingham).
It also follows recordings of Guramit Singh quoting Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs whilst delivering an offensive speech against the Muslim community.
Varinder Singh, an organiser of the ‘Sikhs Against the EDL’ campaign said:
“The Sikh Community has clearly condemned Guramit Singh’s public actions which are being used as a political stunt by the EDL and thereby bringing the Sikh faith into disrepute. His actions do not reflect the Sikh faith or the community and must be stopped to prevent further damage to inter-faith relations.
We believe because of his influence they carry the Sikh flag on their marches, use Sikh emblem and insignia in their propaganda and make on-sided and inflammatory statements about any past divisions between Sikhs and Muslims, including the partition.
We will be raising the concerns of our community leaders and will look to appeal to the Jathedar (Leader) of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, for him to formally issue excommunication orders should Guramit Singh decide not to denounce and distance himself from the EDL immediately.”
Balwinder Singh Rana, originator of the joint statement condemning the EDL said:
”Some of the largest Sikh and Hindu organisation in this country have signed our statement. We also have the full support of most of the Gurdwara’s (Sikh temples) and Mandirs (Hindu temples) in West London as well as East London.
In addition to this six Gurdwara’s in Birmingham, including the largest one, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, have pledged their support on our initiative.
Together with support from members of the wider community including Claude Moraes MEP, some MPs, a number of councillors and other prominent people as well as University Sikh Student Societies – we can confidently say that the tide is by far in our favour.”
He further added:”Guramit Singh claimed in the BBC program ‘Who’s Afraid of the EDL?’, that Sikhs have been trying to ‘protect the world from Islam for 300-400 years.’
However, anyone with the rudimentary knowledge of the Sikh religion would know that the Sikhs actually never fought against Islam. They only fought against the oppression and intolerance from some of the Mogul rulers.”
“The tenth and last living Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, himself made it very clear in the Akal Ustat:
‘Someone calls himself a Hindu, another a Turk, someone a Shia, another a Sunni. Recognise the whole of humanity as one race.’
‘The temple or the mosque is the same, the Hindu worship or the Muslim prayer are the same; all humans are the same, it is through error they appear different. It is the one God who created all.’
‘The Hindu God and the Muslim God are the same; let no man even by mistake suppose there is a difference.’ ”
The Turban Campaign
No terrorist link to packages in lake (UK)
Police say there is no terrorism link to two suspicious packages found floating in a lake at a beauty spot.
The packages, found at the boating lake, in Cottingham Road, Corby, on Monday, sparked a full-scale investigation involving an RAF bomb disposal unit and the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
However, police said yesterday they are no longer treating them as suspicious.
Road blocks were set up and a large area around the lake was cordoned off by police after the discovery of the packages by two young anglers.
At one point police were considering using divers to search the lake.
Read more of this news item at the Evening Telegraph
The packages, found at the boating lake, in Cottingham Road, Corby, on Monday, sparked a full-scale investigation involving an RAF bomb disposal unit and the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit.
However, police said yesterday they are no longer treating them as suspicious.
Road blocks were set up and a large area around the lake was cordoned off by police after the discovery of the packages by two young anglers.
At one point police were considering using divers to search the lake.
Read more of this news item at the Evening Telegraph
Wilders' inciting hatred court case will go ahead, judges say (Netherlands)
The court case against anti-Islam campaigner and MP Geert Wilders will go ahead as planned, the three judges hearing the case said on Monday.
Wilders’ legal team had tried to have the case dropped on a number of legal grounds.
But while agreeing the case, based on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination will continue, Wilders should not be charged with comparing Islam to fascism, the judges said.
Dutch News
Wilders’ legal team had tried to have the case dropped on a number of legal grounds.
But while agreeing the case, based on charges of inciting hatred and discrimination will continue, Wilders should not be charged with comparing Islam to fascism, the judges said.
Dutch News
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