Far-right leader and a Muslim lawmaker came to blows live on Bulgarian radio on Sunday as tempers frayed during a debate about an attack against a Sofia mosque earlier this week.
The presenter of a political talk show on national radio, Velichko Konakchiev, was forced to interrupt the show and apologise to listeners when the head of the ultra-nationalist Ataka party, Volen Siderov, physically attacked fellow guest Korman Ismailov, a Muslim member of parliament.
"Never before have I had to separate people fighting in my studio. I've never seen anything like it," the veteran talk show host Konakchiev said at the end of the show.
Konakchiev said Siderov started the fight after he was asked to tone down his language during a debate on an incident in Sofia on Friday where Ataka supporters had clashed with worshippers outside a mosque.
Siderov repeatedly called the worshippers "Islamists" and "extremists".
The programme resumed after an initial interruption of several minutes. But when Siderov lost his temper again, Konakchiev asked the far-right leader to leave and ended the show prematurely.
In a statement, the head of national radio, Valery Todorov, condemned the incident.
"It is inadmissible to use national radio to propagate ethnic, religious or national hatred," Todorov said.
A Muslim, an Ataka lawmaker and five policemen were injured in the skirmishes between worshippers and far-right demonstrators on Friday in an incident that has drawn condemnation both at home and in neighbouring Turkey.
Two Ataka supporters have been charged with hooliganism in relation to the incident, prosecutors said.
Times of Oman
Monday, 23 May 2011
Second protest is expected in resort (UK)
An anti-fascist protest group has announced it will stage a rally in Blackpool on the same day as controversial far-right group the English Defence League.
Unite Against Facism (UAF) expects between 100 and 200 local members to attend the event which will take place as EDL members from across the country descend on the town on Saturday May, 28 for a national protest.
Paul Jenkins, North West organiser for the UAF, said their demonstration will be nothing more than a peaceful “anti-racist vigil”.
He said: “We want to show unity in the community is the best way forward.”
UAF will hold their protest at the public headland close to the Central Pier while the EDL demonstration is on the headline at South Pier.
The timings of the UAF protest are still under discussion.
EDL members, who say they are protesting against the police handling of the inquiry into missing Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes, are due to gather near Britannia Place at 10am before setting off for a short march along the Promenade to the public headland where a demonstration will be held from 12.45pm to 2pm.
Charlene, 13, disappeared in 2003 and two Asian men were charged with her murder and disposing of the body. They were later acquitted.
Chief Supt Richard Debicki, commander of western division, said the force had always prepared for two demonstrations.
Police say they do not expect there to be any clashes between the two groups.
He said police chiefs continue to work with council officers to ensure there will be as little disruption as possible in the town.
He added: “In addition to the EDL demonstration, the UAF have now also indicated a wish to demonstrate.
“The constabulary will facilitate any protest which is peaceful but we will deal firmly with anyone committing crime and disorder.
“Our role is about fair and balanced policing – we’re here to keep the peace, treat people with respect and dignity and uphold the law.”
Blackpool Gazette
Unite Against Facism (UAF) expects between 100 and 200 local members to attend the event which will take place as EDL members from across the country descend on the town on Saturday May, 28 for a national protest.
Paul Jenkins, North West organiser for the UAF, said their demonstration will be nothing more than a peaceful “anti-racist vigil”.
He said: “We want to show unity in the community is the best way forward.”
UAF will hold their protest at the public headland close to the Central Pier while the EDL demonstration is on the headline at South Pier.
The timings of the UAF protest are still under discussion.
EDL members, who say they are protesting against the police handling of the inquiry into missing Blackpool teenager Charlene Downes, are due to gather near Britannia Place at 10am before setting off for a short march along the Promenade to the public headland where a demonstration will be held from 12.45pm to 2pm.
Charlene, 13, disappeared in 2003 and two Asian men were charged with her murder and disposing of the body. They were later acquitted.
Chief Supt Richard Debicki, commander of western division, said the force had always prepared for two demonstrations.
Police say they do not expect there to be any clashes between the two groups.
He said police chiefs continue to work with council officers to ensure there will be as little disruption as possible in the town.
He added: “In addition to the EDL demonstration, the UAF have now also indicated a wish to demonstrate.
“The constabulary will facilitate any protest which is peaceful but we will deal firmly with anyone committing crime and disorder.
“Our role is about fair and balanced policing – we’re here to keep the peace, treat people with respect and dignity and uphold the law.”
Blackpool Gazette
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