#1 Rotherham Asian Grooming Demo thread today 30/8/14

[Bev]

Far-right demonstrators from the British National Party (BNP) are descending on the South Yorkshire town of Rotherham, in what it claims is a protest about the child abuse scandal. But which anti-racist activists say is an attempt to stir up racial unrest. A larger protest is planned for 13 September.

The BNP are gathering in Parkgate in the town centre to demand a public inquiry into the scandal, in which at least 1,400 young girls from the town were abused over many years, mainly by residents of Pakistani descent. A small group of activists from the English Defence League (EDL) and Britain First have been picketing the town's police station for the last few days, demanding the sacking of those in positions of authority who they claim did nothing to prevent the abuse.


BNP President Nick Griffin was charged with "using words or behaviour intended or likely to stir up racial hatred" in 2004 when he spoke out about "grooming", as well as other subjects. Griffin was later acquitted of all charges.

Anti-racist organisation "Hope Not Hate" will also be in Rotherham in a bid to oppose the BNP march, claiming the far-right groups simply want to stoke up ethnic unrest in the town.

"Hope Not Hate highlighted the issue of grooming in 2005," says a statement on the group's website. "We were attacked and even libelled – we were called racists. Today, people from a variety of extremist groups are heading to the town to try and cash in on people's horror and revulsion."

There was widespread outrage following the publication of Prof Alexis Jay's report on 26 August, in which the extent of the abuse in Rotherham was laid bare.

The report said many people within the authority were afraid to confront the problem because of a fear of being perceived as racist.

"Several councillors interviewed believed that by opening up these issues they could be 'giving oxygen' to racist perspectives," stated the report, "that might in turn attract extremist political groups and threaten community cohesion."

However, many local Muslim leaders have angrily condemned the suggestion and say any Muslims who were involved in abusing young girls – mostly white and from disadvantaged backgrounds – must be prosecuted and condemned.

ht tp://w ww.ibtimes.co.uk/rotherham-abuse-scandal-bnp-anti-racist-groups-head-town-1463276

In a thread of its own for now - may merge it with the other one later.

[Bev]

Today’s demonstrations in Rotherham between opposing groups, supporters of the English Defence League and United Against Fascism, passed by without any significant disorder.

800 extra police officers were on duty in Rotherham town centre to minimise disruption and protect property while ensuring that each group could exercise their right to peaceful protest.

Approximately 300 EDL members took part in demonstration while 150 people held a counter-demonstration elsewhere in the town centre. EDL members congregated on Bridgegate before marching towards Town Hall for a number of public speeches. United Against Fascism supporters also marched to the Town Hall after congregating in All Saints Square.

South Yorkshire Police made just three arrests; one man was arrested on suspicion of public order including making threats towards a police officer, a second man was arrested on suspicion of affray and a third man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

To facilitate the march and ensure public safety some roads in the town centre were temporarily closed but have since fully reopened.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said: “I’m pleased that the demonstrations passed without significant disruption today and that the residents of Rotherham were able to go about their usual business as much as possible.

I’d like to thank the organisers from both groups, local businesses, residents and the wider community for their co-operation.”

Karl Battersby, Strategic Director of Environment and Development Services at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, said it was good to see Rotherham returning to normal and that disruption had been kept to a minimum.

"Today’s event has been an unwanted distraction from the usual Saturday business, at a time when Rotherham town centre has received much praise for the way in which it has responded to the recession.

“We are proud of our diverse communities, and also the way in which the agencies in Rotherham - such as ourselves and South Yorkshire Police - are able to work side by side to support local people. Today’s events – respecting the right to a peaceful protest and ensuring they passed without significant incident – is a reflection of the real Rotherham, and our ability to unite under the banner of One Town One Community”

h ttp://w ww.southyorks.police.uk/news-syp/south-yorkshire-police-and-rotherham-metropolitan-borough-council-grateful-disorder-free

According to Twitter, things still seem to be going on though.

@Beesotted 2m

The Rotherham fans in the pub have been really friendly.Unfortunately there seems 2 b a National Front march outside pic.twitter.com/uuB0nQnIuE

https://twitter.com/Beesotted/status/505705301627383808

@EDLofficialpage

Sikh team join with EDL in protest at #Rotherham police stn. Muslims still in denial: threw urine over EDL Friday pic.twitter.com/AuTwnxvxOZ

https://twitter.com/EDLofficialpage/...05128729788416

[Bev]

This is from an enti-EDL site

Things are at boiling point outside Rotherham Police Station as far right groups fight to get in on the action after the Rotherham child abuse report was released earlier this week.

The EDL set up camp outside the police station on Thursday night and since then the camp has been growing and is now resembling Sangatte refugee camp with 'patriots' using the walls to urinate against.


Such is the clamour to capitalize on the misery of child abuse, two far right groups turned up and had arguments with the EDL which involved a lot of shoving and shouting.

First to turn up, were Britain First who had been to see the council office in the afternoon. After some shouting Britain First left.

Later in the evening the National Front turned up to try and claim a slice of the pie but were outnumbered by the EDL, things got nasty and they left.

The EDL have called a demonstration in Rotherham on the 13th September but it seems all other groups are turning up which is likely to end up in a amssive punch up as all groups want a slice of the grief pie and some are getting upset that the EDL have beat them to prime position.



Britain First are the first to try and grab some of the action and have a stand off with the EDL.



The EDL's Paul McKenzie described how the EDL 'scattered the c*nts'. McKenie is facinf prison next month for his part in the violence at the EDL Birmingham demostration last year.



McKenzie makes use of Camp EDL toilet facilities.



The National Front turned up and were jeered by drunken EDL members who don't want them getting in on their action. The EDL think the misery of children is their sole preserve.



The National Front issue a statement on last night stand off with the EDL.



The North West Infidels also issue a statement and they also plan to be there on the 17th.



National Action denounce the EDL as a 'drunken drug abusing mess..



It is thought that around nine seperate far right groups will be in attendence and none of them get on with each other. We will bring you further updates on the these groups who think it is their right to use and abuse the suffering of children.

ht tp://e dlne ws.co.uk/latestnews/1363-trouble-set-to-flare-between-far-right-groups-at-rotherham-child-abuse-demo

There is a screenshot of a FB post stating that the EDL attacked NF members last night and were chanting "nazi scum off our streets".

Here's Rotherham EDL page - they do indeed appear to have set up camp outside the police station. https://www.facebook.com/DoncasterRotherhamDivisionEdl

[Bev]

#NF kettled outside Rotherham pub, supposedly so they don't run in to #EDL.

https://twitter.com/exposetweets/sta...35137884381184

If only Rotherham police had put this much effort/manpower into investigating the crimes in the first place.....

[Zander]

This horrific case is one of the few occasions where White people should gather under no political banner and really put pressure on the establishment. All this petty squabling and infighting takes focus away from where the blame should lie and gives the anti's a chance to muddy the waters.

[Bev]

@TomMooreJourno

Six hours later and the EDL are still outside #Rotherham police station.

https://twitter.com/TomMooreJourno/s...67197260922881