Bolton anti-EDL demo charges dropped

News reaches us that all charges against anti-EDL protestors that were made when the English Defence League invaded Bolton back in March of this year have been dropped.

Rumour has it that ALL outstanding charges against anti-EDL demonstrators have been dropped (though I'm sure our readers will update us on that if necessary) but what is certain is that the ludicrous 'conspiracy to incite violent disorder' charge against UAF's Weyman Bennett and Rhetta Moran has been dumped.

Conspiracy - a catch-all charge much used by the police when they couldn't think of a real charge against animal rights protestors in the past - can carry a substantial jail term if proven. Anti-fascists have argued that the unprecedented use of conspiracy laws was a threat not just to the right to protest against fascism, but could curtail the right to any public protest.

Rightwing march ban over fear of violence

Masked-up and ready to riot - the English defence League

Rightwing groups have been banned from holding marches in Luton for three months in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the violence that has marred similar demonstrations across the country.

The English Defence League, which has been involved in violent clashes in Birmingham and Luton this year, had planned to hold a series of demonstrations against "Islamic extremism" over the coming weeks.

Anti-racism campaigners said the events were intended to whip up tension and more than 14,000 people had written to Alan Johnson, the home secretary, demanding action. Today police confirmed the Home Office had granted a banning order.

Nick Lowles of the Hope not Hate campaign said: "Our voices have been heard. Luton is a safer place because of it. This is just further proof of what we can achieve when we get organised."

Luton has seen a number of violent protests this year. In March a small group of Muslims staged a demonstration during a homecoming parade for soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment. Tonight Bedfordshire police charged seven men in connection with the incident. They will appear at Luton magistrates court on 16 September.

The March demonstration was followed by counter-demonstrations which led to Asian businesses and residents being attacked. In Birmingham this month members of the English Defence League and linked group Casuals United clashed with anti-racism campaigners, resulting in 34 arrests and one injury.

Bedfordshire police today said there had been growing concern about planned demonstrations by rightwing groups that had prompted a "robust unified response" by the police and the council. Chief Superintendent Andy Frost, divisional commander for Luton police, said: "The risk the proposed marches pose to public safety has left us with no alternative but to apply for a banning order."

Weyman Bennett, the joint secretary of Unite Against Fascism, welcomed the ban. "What we have proved is that where we, as a multiracial group, organise and stand up the EDL can be defeated."

The league denies it is racist, claiming it would march "alongside Muslims and Jews who are against militant Islam".

The announcement of the ban came as a man and a woman were charged under the Data Protection Act after a British National party (BNP) membership list was leaked on to the internet. Dyfed-Powys police said the man, aged 27, and woman, 30, were due to appear at Nottingham magistrates court on 1 September. The BNP called for a police investigation last November after the details of 10,000 of its members were published online.

Guardian

Join the protest - Say no to the BNP Corsham

Meet at Corsham Town Hall
Monday 11th June at 5.30pm

Come along to protest at the division, ignorance and intolerance of the fascist BNP.
Come along to celebrate unity, diversity and understanding.

Unite Against Facism is supporting a protest called against BNP councillor Michael Simpkins. We would like to ensure that the anti racist and anti fascist majority attend to this important protest.

Weyman Bennett , National Joint Secretary, UAF will be attending and speaking. The response from local residents to the election of this BNP councillor unopposed has been one of anger and united rejection of racism and fascism. The protest publicity and food on the day is being provided by local businesses. There will be musicians etc. performing and regional and local newspapers, television and radio will be covering the event- it will be a great opportunity to show united opposition to the fascist BNP.

We want to encourage as many people as possible to attend the protest, bring family , friends and Union branch banners are welcome.

Michael Simpkins is the first BNP councillor in the South West. Lets make sure he is the last and help to make Corsham and the South West Fascist Free!

Contact for further details and with messages notobnp@hotmail.co.uk. or telephone the National UAF office on 020 78334916.