Posted: 6.43pm Tuesday 15 June 2010

Birmingham drive out racist English Defence League after attack

by Geoff Dexter

Fifteen members of the racist English Defence League (EDL) were forced to leave central Birmingham after attacking a Palestine Solidarity Campaign peace vigil last Saturday.

The vigil followed the Israeli attack and murder of peace activists on a convoy to Gaza.

It reflected Birmingham’s diversity, involving black, white and Asian activists.

The EDL supporters chanted racist and Islamophobic abuse and attacked one of the stalls. They physically assaulted protesters and threatened further violence.

But demonstrators held their ground—and grew in size as members of the public joined in support (see picture).

By the time the police arrived there were over 100 protesters standing up to the EDL, who were quickly removed.

The message is clear—the EDL will not divide or intimidate us in our city.

Nazi groups are not welcome here.

http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21572