A man has been fined for making offensive comments about Allah during the English Defence League protest in Leicester.
Lee Whitby was found guilty of using racially aggravated abusive words during the protest in the city centre on Saturday, October 9.
During a trial at Leicester Magistrates' Court yesterday, the 27-year-old pleaded not guilty to chanting "threatening, abusive or insulting" words that were likely to cause "harassment, alarm or distress."
Although he admitted making comments, Whitby said he did not believe they would have been heard by anyone other than police officers or fellow EDL supporters.
However, magistrate Rick Moore ruled that officers were likely to have been alarmed by the defendant's words.
Whitby, of Holley Place, Stoke-on-Trent, said he was an EDL supporter and had travelled by train to Leicester on the day of the protest with about 30 people from Stoke and Crewe.
He also admitted being part of previous EDL protests in Newcastle, Dudley, Stoke, Bolton and Bradford.
The defendant told the court he was leaving the protest site in Humberstone Gate East and was being ushered towards the train station when he uttered the offensive chant.
Whitby, who chose to represent himself, said: "I went to an EDL demo and was in an area which was isolated away from everyone else.
"The only people that would have heard were the EDL.
"I was not aiming it at anyone. No-one around would find it offensive. Otherwise, I wouldn't have said it.
"I was just voicing my opinion at an EDL meeting with just EDL people around."
Alexandra Blossom, prosecuting, said the comments made were bound to cause harassment, alarm or distress because of Leicester's multicultural society and the fact the words were said in the city centre.
She said: "A number of people present that day were likely to be offended.
"It was a high-profile event and members of the public would have been in the city on a Saturday.
"The remarks are even offensive to police.
"A clear message needs to be sent out about using such behaviour in a multicultural city."
The court heard Whitby had two previous convictions for common assault.
Mr Moore said: "It is a fact you were with others chanting and police were within hearing distance but there is no evidence of non-police officers within hearing distance.
"It is likely that a police officer or officers hearing the words would be likely to be alarmed and for that reason we find you guilty of this offence."
Whitby was fined £200 and ordered to pay a further £200 in costs, as well as a £15 victim surcharge.
This is leicestershire
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Jewish? Gay? Join us, white extremists say (UK)
The English Defence League (EDL), which was formed last year in protest at Islamic extremist activity, has also reached out across the Atlantic to build close ties with the American right-wing group, the Tea Party.
Hundreds of EDL members are planning demonstrations in Nuneaton and Preston today to protest at the building of mosques and what they claim is the growing influence in the UK of Sharia law.
But a new report, written by Professor Nigel Copsey of Teesside University, warns that the growth of EDL membership will spread Islamophobia in communities sharing a perceived "historical angst" against Muslims.
New branches of the League, such as the Jewish Division, could exploit the existing religious hostilities caused by territorial disputes in the Middle East, says Professor Copsey whose report was commissioned by the organisation Faith Matters.
It claims that these inter-faith tensions were brought into sharp focus last month when the senior US Jewish leader and Tea Party activist Rabbi Nachum Shifren denounced Islam at a EDL rally outside the Israeli Embassy in London. Israeli flags have also been spotted at several EDL demonstrations across the UK.
As well as aggravating religious tensions, the EDL has established a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Division to "defend" gay people from Sharia law. There are also specialist divisions for women, soldiers and disabled people. The report warns these communities to be vigilant against "selective racism" and the EDL's attempts at manipulation.
Contributors to the EDL Facebook site confirm that the group wants to work with other minority organisation including those which promote women's rights. One members writes: "After all, leftists have portrayed themselves for decades as the only ones really interested in promoting a progressive and inclusive agenda: homosexual rights, women's equality, minority rights, reproductive rights, immigration, world peace, among others."
One member added: "Remember there is a difference between being anti-Muslim and anti-Islam. We are against the ideology not the people. Let's not forget that many Muslim women and children are victims of their own religion."
But Professor Copsey warned: "True to the spirit of the enemy of my enemy is my friend, the EDL is targeting other ethnic communities. These communities need to guard against approaches by the EDL."
Founder and director of Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal, said: "The EDL's main aim is to increase tensions, raise hate and divide communities. Their attempts to portray themselves as a legitimate and open movement cannot disguise their violent, anti-Muslim agenda. This hate can easily mutate against another community."
The EDL membership claim that they are not a racist group. In guidance issuedto its members attending today's rallies the EDL leadership warns: "Violence and racism will not be tolerated. If you are found to be doing this, you will be ejected from the demonstration."
On Monday, EDL founder Stephen Lennon denied assaulting a police officer during clashes with Islamic protesters in west London. He was granted bail and a trial date was set of 12 January. About 30 supporters gathered outside the court, some with EDL placards.
The Faith Matters report is entitled The English Defence League: Challenging Our Country and Our Values of Social Inclusion, Fairness and Equality.
The Independant
EDL accused of council 'blackmail' in Christmas letter (UK)
A council leader says the English Defence League (EDL) are "blackmailing" councils over the removal of the word Christmas from public celebrations.
In a letter, the EDL says it will visit towns and cities that choose titles like Winter Festival when referring to Christmas lights being switched on.
Dennis Harvey, the leader of one of the recipient councils, Nuneaton and Bedworth, said he was "appalled".
The group is staging a demonstration in Nuneaton on Saturday.
A spokesman said they were going to the town because they "want to visit every city in the country and Nuneaton has the country's first ever Sharia court".
Previous gatherings there were counter demonstrations against the Islamic community who were protesting against soldiers' homecoming marches, the EDL said.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
For people to say they are supporters of traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life”
End Quote Dennis Harvey Nuneaton and Bedworth Council
The group said it expected 1,500 people in Nuneaton and the same number at a gathering in Preston on the same day.
The council, which has no party in overall control, said the town will operate as normal while the EDL gathering takes place.
The EDL has written to some councils to urge them "not lose the meaning of Christmas by changing it to Winter Festival".
EDL leader Tommy Robinson said in the letter: "Please keep Christmas as Christmas and not let our culture and traditions be eroded and preserve English values.
"Any council that does not keep the word Christmas in the annual celebrations and opts for Winter Festival, out of the politically correct appeasement of others to the detriment of our traditions, will have their town/city visited by the English Defence League throughout the following year."
The council said the Christmas lights switch on takes place in Bedworth on Saturday. It said the event is, and always has been, known by that title.
Mr Harvey, Labour, said: "(It's) a bit of a blackmail letter really.
"We've always celebrated Christmas traditionally here.
"We've never had a problem with that but to receive a letter threatening us that we would be targeted or any town for that matter is appalling.
"For people to say they are supporters of a traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life."
BBC News
In a letter, the EDL says it will visit towns and cities that choose titles like Winter Festival when referring to Christmas lights being switched on.
Dennis Harvey, the leader of one of the recipient councils, Nuneaton and Bedworth, said he was "appalled".
The group is staging a demonstration in Nuneaton on Saturday.
A spokesman said they were going to the town because they "want to visit every city in the country and Nuneaton has the country's first ever Sharia court".
Previous gatherings there were counter demonstrations against the Islamic community who were protesting against soldiers' homecoming marches, the EDL said.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
For people to say they are supporters of traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life”
End Quote Dennis Harvey Nuneaton and Bedworth Council
The group said it expected 1,500 people in Nuneaton and the same number at a gathering in Preston on the same day.
The council, which has no party in overall control, said the town will operate as normal while the EDL gathering takes place.
The EDL has written to some councils to urge them "not lose the meaning of Christmas by changing it to Winter Festival".
EDL leader Tommy Robinson said in the letter: "Please keep Christmas as Christmas and not let our culture and traditions be eroded and preserve English values.
"Any council that does not keep the word Christmas in the annual celebrations and opts for Winter Festival, out of the politically correct appeasement of others to the detriment of our traditions, will have their town/city visited by the English Defence League throughout the following year."
The council said the Christmas lights switch on takes place in Bedworth on Saturday. It said the event is, and always has been, known by that title.
Mr Harvey, Labour, said: "(It's) a bit of a blackmail letter really.
"We've always celebrated Christmas traditionally here.
"We've never had a problem with that but to receive a letter threatening us that we would be targeted or any town for that matter is appalling.
"For people to say they are supporters of a traditional way of life, I do not think blackmail plays any part of a traditional English way of life."
BBC News
Council reveals £131,000 cost of English Defence League protest in Leicester
The city council's bill for last month's controversial English Defence League demonstration stands at £131,000, it has been revealed.
The majority of the cash was spent on operations to minimise disruption to the city, with a bill of £94,000 split between boarding up businesses, extra street cleaning after the event and the legal costs of attempting to ban the march.
Close to £40,000 was spent on "community activities" such as the We Are One Leicester concert, which included a performance from singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg.
The police bill is likely to be about £1 million.
Sheila Lock, chief executive of Leicester City Council, said: "Protecting the city and its traders, and keeping young people safe from the potential for trouble, was a priority. I think we successfully did that.
"However, the fact that we bear the costs for dealing with something we didn't want or ask for still concerns us greatly. "That's why we continue to press for a meeting with the Home Office."
Mohammed Dawood, the council cabinet's community cohesion boss, said: "The costs incurred by the council are still being finalised and some further payments are expected to be made, but these are not expected to be significant.
"The current cost to the council in relation to the EDL demonstration itself is £94,000. "Further expenditure of approximately £18,000 was incurred providing positive activities for young people and information around the city before, during and after the event. The We Are One Leicester celebration event cost £19,000 to stage."
Ron and Katherine Focks, who run Niche, in Carts Lane, off High Street, opened until 3pm on the day of the rally, October 9. Mr Focks said: "The organisation that went into keeping violence to a minimum was very impressive. It was a sad day for the city but it was handled very well."
This is Leicestershire
The majority of the cash was spent on operations to minimise disruption to the city, with a bill of £94,000 split between boarding up businesses, extra street cleaning after the event and the legal costs of attempting to ban the march.
Close to £40,000 was spent on "community activities" such as the We Are One Leicester concert, which included a performance from singer-songwriter and activist Billy Bragg.
The police bill is likely to be about £1 million.
Sheila Lock, chief executive of Leicester City Council, said: "Protecting the city and its traders, and keeping young people safe from the potential for trouble, was a priority. I think we successfully did that.
"However, the fact that we bear the costs for dealing with something we didn't want or ask for still concerns us greatly. "That's why we continue to press for a meeting with the Home Office."
Mohammed Dawood, the council cabinet's community cohesion boss, said: "The costs incurred by the council are still being finalised and some further payments are expected to be made, but these are not expected to be significant.
"The current cost to the council in relation to the EDL demonstration itself is £94,000. "Further expenditure of approximately £18,000 was incurred providing positive activities for young people and information around the city before, during and after the event. The We Are One Leicester celebration event cost £19,000 to stage."
Ron and Katherine Focks, who run Niche, in Carts Lane, off High Street, opened until 3pm on the day of the rally, October 9. Mr Focks said: "The organisation that went into keeping violence to a minimum was very impressive. It was a sad day for the city but it was handled very well."
This is Leicestershire
Glasgow set for march and rally against racism (UK)
Trade unionists, politicians and faith and community groups will gather in Glasgow later for an annual march and rally against racism.
The St Andrew's Day anti-racism event has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).
Organisers said it would remind people in difficult economic times of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.
The march will start from St Andrew's in the Square at 1100 GMT.
Those taking part will rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street at noon.
Speakers will include Prof Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces".
He added: "We can use the law but that is not enough. It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life - in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours.
"That's why the STUC's annual St Andrew's Day event is so important."
BBC News
The St Andrew's Day anti-racism event has been organised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC).
Organisers said it would remind people in difficult economic times of the dangers of allowing prejudice and discrimination to go unchallenged.
The march will start from St Andrew's in the Square at 1100 GMT.
Those taking part will rally at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Rose Street at noon.
Speakers will include Prof Geoffrey Palmer of Edinburgh and Lothians Racial Equality Council and human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar.
Speaking ahead of the rally, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray called on every Scot to "challenge racism wherever it surfaces".
He added: "We can use the law but that is not enough. It is up to all of us to confront it in everyday life - in the workplace, in the playground, at a football stadium or when with friends and neighbours.
"That's why the STUC's annual St Andrew's Day event is so important."
BBC News
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