People Against Racism will stage an "anti neo-Nazi march" on June 12 at the Sveta Nedelya Square in Sofia, media reports have said.
The organisers said that they will commemorate the one year anniversary since the foundation of the People Against Racism, but also to mark the anniversary of the "tram attack" in which several youths were attacked and beaten by suspected skinheads. Six men were arrested following an assault aboard tram 20 in Sofia on June 6 2010. Reportedly, the six are said to be members of far-right extremist groups. Other reports have them linked to Sofia-based football "firms", hooligan supporter groups. The authorities named the six perpetrators – Dimitar Lazarov, Vassil Pavlov, Matei Penev, Emil Alexiev, Rossen Kunev and Mario Abdal Gamal.
The latter's name has also been reported as Mario el Makoussi in other media. On the day of the attack, the masked men burst into the tram, allegedly armed with metal rods, and proceeded to attack four youths in the vehicle.
The victims were supporters of asylum seekers' rights in Bulgaria. People Against Racism say that neo-Nazi attacks in Sofia are increasing. Traditionally, they are aimed at Roma and people of darker skin complexion, as well as homosexuals, but they can sometimes happen randomly and against anyone they perceive as strange. The anti-Nazi march in Sofia on June 12 is not politically motivated, the organisers said.
The Sofia Echo
Saturday, 11 June 2011
NGOs RISE AGAINST XENOPHOBES VOWING TO MAR SOFIA GAY PARADE (Bulgaria)
Bulgarian NGOs have demanded that the Bulgarian capital Sofia's municipality ban the nationalistic rally scheduled at the same time and place as the upcoming "Sofia Pride" gay parade on June 18.
The Sofia Pride Foundation, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the AnarchoResistance group, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender's youth "Action" organization, People against Racism and the Bilitis Resource Center have sent a letter to Sofia's Mayor Yordanka Fandakova and the head of the Sofia Department of the Interior, pointing out that the nationalistic rally will be dangerous for the public order and should be banned. The NGOs have refuted a statement made earlier by Sofia's Deputy Mayor responsible for security, Ivan Sotirov, who claimed that the municipality cannot ban any parades but only advise about changing their routes.
The rally will be aggressive and threatening the peaceful citizens, the NGOs have pointed out. "Sofia Pride", Bulgaria's first ever gay parade, took place for the first time in 2008 and was marred by hooligans, with more than 60 people ending up arrested by the police for trying to attack and harass the participants, some of them throwing Molotov cocktails. The 2009 gay parade, passing very quickly and under enhanced security measures, gathered around 300 people. Bulgaria's 3rd annual gay parade went without violent incidents largely thanks to the decisive actions of the 300 riot police officers guarding the rally.
Novinite
The Sofia Pride Foundation, the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee, the AnarchoResistance group, the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender's youth "Action" organization, People against Racism and the Bilitis Resource Center have sent a letter to Sofia's Mayor Yordanka Fandakova and the head of the Sofia Department of the Interior, pointing out that the nationalistic rally will be dangerous for the public order and should be banned. The NGOs have refuted a statement made earlier by Sofia's Deputy Mayor responsible for security, Ivan Sotirov, who claimed that the municipality cannot ban any parades but only advise about changing their routes.
The rally will be aggressive and threatening the peaceful citizens, the NGOs have pointed out. "Sofia Pride", Bulgaria's first ever gay parade, took place for the first time in 2008 and was marred by hooligans, with more than 60 people ending up arrested by the police for trying to attack and harass the participants, some of them throwing Molotov cocktails. The 2009 gay parade, passing very quickly and under enhanced security measures, gathered around 300 people. Bulgaria's 3rd annual gay parade went without violent incidents largely thanks to the decisive actions of the 300 riot police officers guarding the rally.
Novinite
Police gearing up for city protest by far right group (UK)
Police have moved to reassure residents over a planned protest by the far right group the English Defence League.
Members of the Portsmouth and south east branch are planning a march in the city next month.
They say they will peacefully protest against Islamic extremism and Sharia law, which they are against.
A wreath will then be laid in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square in memory of servicemen and women who have lost their lives.
The march is due to take place on July 16 but the group says that date could change and it has refused to reveal the route.
The group has informed police who are now planning for an estimated 1,000 people expected to come to Portsmouth for the march.
Officers from Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are speaking to locals to allay any concerns about the planned protest.
Superintendent Rick Burrows, who is planning Operation Buscot, said: ‘We are engaging with organisers to establish details and have begun the planning process to provide a policing operation.
‘This will facilitate the group’s right to peaceful and lawful protest, while minimising the impact to people and ensuring that the interests of all members of the local community are protected.
‘Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods teams in Portsmouth are engaging with members of the local community to address any concerns they may have. It is very early in the planning process at this time.’
The rally comes eight months after up to 100 people were involved in a protest outside the Jami Mosque in Victoria Road North, Southsea. It started after Muslim extremists from outside Portsmouth burned poppies in London during the Armistice Day two-minute silence. Peace campaigners gathered outside the mosque in support of the Muslim community.
An English Defence League spokesman said: ‘This is not a national demo but a local one that will be protesting at situations relevant to that area.
‘The English Defence League will be peacefully protesting at this event against Islamic extremism.’
Portsmouth News
Members of the Portsmouth and south east branch are planning a march in the city next month.
They say they will peacefully protest against Islamic extremism and Sharia law, which they are against.
A wreath will then be laid in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square in memory of servicemen and women who have lost their lives.
The march is due to take place on July 16 but the group says that date could change and it has refused to reveal the route.
The group has informed police who are now planning for an estimated 1,000 people expected to come to Portsmouth for the march.
Officers from Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are speaking to locals to allay any concerns about the planned protest.
Superintendent Rick Burrows, who is planning Operation Buscot, said: ‘We are engaging with organisers to establish details and have begun the planning process to provide a policing operation.
‘This will facilitate the group’s right to peaceful and lawful protest, while minimising the impact to people and ensuring that the interests of all members of the local community are protected.
‘Officers from the Safer Neighbourhoods teams in Portsmouth are engaging with members of the local community to address any concerns they may have. It is very early in the planning process at this time.’
The rally comes eight months after up to 100 people were involved in a protest outside the Jami Mosque in Victoria Road North, Southsea. It started after Muslim extremists from outside Portsmouth burned poppies in London during the Armistice Day two-minute silence. Peace campaigners gathered outside the mosque in support of the Muslim community.
An English Defence League spokesman said: ‘This is not a national demo but a local one that will be protesting at situations relevant to that area.
‘The English Defence League will be peacefully protesting at this event against Islamic extremism.’
Portsmouth News
More Breaking News (UK)
Admin comment; Following on to the previous item.
What happens when you challenge Nick Griffin in the so called democratic BNP.
More Breaking News.
Word is that Nick Griffin has moved to suspend his leadership challenger and fellow MEP Andrew Brons. Not for standing as candidate you understand, but for organising a factional meeting in Wigan last night.
See last blog post ... BNP MEP Andrew Brons, another former chair of the NF like Griffin, has decided he will stand against Nick Griffin for the leadership ...
What happens when you challenge Nick Griffin in the so called democratic BNP.
More Breaking News.
Word is that Nick Griffin has moved to suspend his leadership challenger and fellow MEP Andrew Brons. Not for standing as candidate you understand, but for organising a factional meeting in Wigan last night.
See last blog post ... BNP MEP Andrew Brons, another former chair of the NF like Griffin, has decided he will stand against Nick Griffin for the leadership ...
Breaking News-Game on! (UK)
This could be a major setback for Griffin. Although Brons has little chance of winning (due to the way the party's electoral processes have been stitched up), the BNP's lie and smear machine that it unleashes against dissenters will struggle against the popular Yorks and Humberside MEP.
Brons's supporters have already clashed with Griffin after Griffin turned on Brons during a Q&A session held for BNP members at the European parliament.
Brons and Griffin fell out previously in the 80's for control of the National Front. It seems history has a habit of repeating itself.
Nick Lowles at Hope Not Hate
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