Police arrest 31 at demonstration against Islamic fundamentalism

More than 30 people were arrested today after disorder broke out during a demonstration billed as a protest against Islamic fundamentalism.

A total of 31 people were detained in Birmingham city centre during the event, which is believed to have been organised on social networking sites.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the arrests were made at various locations during the protest and a counter-demonstration organised by the Unite Against Fascism group.

A protester lies injured following the demonstration in central Birmingham today

A man with a Union Jack flag is attacked after the protest sparked violence

The spokesman also confirmed that a car had been damaged during what she described as 'sporadic' outbreaks of disorder in the city centre.

Witnesses said scores of officers were involved in policing the rival protests, which had gathered near Birmingham's Bullring shopping complex.

One shopper, who declined to be named, said broken banners were left scattered on the ground outside the Bullring following the disorder.

The clashes saw 31 people arrested

Police had vowed to deal robustly with anyone acting outside the law at the protests.

Police believe the anti-fundamentalist rally was organised by groups calling themselves the English and Welsh Defence League and Casuals United, which is said to have emerged after British soldiers were abused by Islamic radicals at a homecoming parade in Luton.

Men are attacked as the demonstration span out of control

Read more:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1205263/Police-arrest-31-demonstration-Islamic-fundamentalism.html#ixzz0NdiMuQSB

"Another counter-protest in the city centre was organised by Unite Against Fascism, West Midlands Police said. "

and

""It started off with a group of white guys who were chanting 'England, England'. I thought they were just football fans, but then a larger group of black and Asian people turned up and it all kicked off.

Youths dragged a Union flag from a man's hands
"You had people burning the Union flag. People were being kicked - some of them weren't anything to do with the protests.

"It all seemed to be very systematic - groups were arriving in cars and getting involved in the violence.

"It really wasn't nice to see and I hope I never see it again."
Asked about the latest demonstrations, Supt Ward said the police wanted to balance the rights of protesters with retailers and shoppers who wanted to use the city centre for their normal business. "

Quotes:
siddy 06 "will there be many sisters attending? i know the brothers are planning something, but not sure if i wanna go alone if there's nobody to tag with lol "

SaLaH "personally i think it may turn into a riot of some sort...i have heard a few lads who are thinking of going down, up to no good im staying clear of it all "

siddy 06 "yeah people were saying it might turn into a low level form of bradford riots. the counter demonstrators are turning up earlier than the EDF so might help them for a bit like giving leaflets etc if they are doing that. at least it is instilling some sort of passion in young people to stick up for their religion and identify with it.

depending on their intentions & methods, you could say they are following sunnah to SOME extent - "whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest of faith." (Muslim) depends on the context etc, but the EDF have been witnessed saying the most insulting things about Islam, Allah, the Prophet SAW, so i don't think people should be pacified into thinking that they shouldn't bother to oppose them."

Blueprint "looks bad I heard there was brick throwing and all"

Abdullah Ali: "It looks a bit heated in parts, maybe people would have got caught up in the moment..


What was edl like Siddy? "


siddy 06 "i left before it got worse so didn't see them really, i couldn't hear them shouting anything either, and then we have videos of them running away, kinda sums them up "

The MPACUK site goes on to link these YouTube videos:

COUNTER DEMO TO STOP EDL IN BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham city centre 8th august 2009. Casuals United vs Muslims

Reaction to BNP protest. 8th August 2009 Birmingham City Centre