PRESS RELEASE: UK – Concerns over far-right opportunism as result of the riots

PRESS RELEASE: UK – Concerns over far-right opportunism as result of the riots
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Messages from far-right groups on social media [1] have suggested that some groups of far-right sympathisers want to use the riots as cover for burning down mosques [2].  Others have spoken of the riots in terms of a race war and suggest taking action against ‘blacks’ and ‘asians’ and ‘coloureds’[3].

Of more concern was the actual appearance of the English Defence League in Eltham, London yesterday (9 August) and the promotion of their effort via social media[4].  Reports suggest that there may have been EDL members or supporters amongst vigilantes in Enfield, London[5].  

International media reports EDL leader Stephen Lennon aka Tommy Robinson claiming that up to 1,000 (one thousand) EDL members will be patrolling the streets.

Chair of IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said:

“The demonising rhetoric in the media in particular and from government and its institutions is being capitalised upon by far-right actors, and the government needs to publicly condemn this opportunism and make clear it will deal with this threat.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222, or via email at info@ihrc.org. Alternatively, you can call (+44) 7958522196.

Notes to Editors:

1.  Monitoring groups like @EverythingEDL on Twitter have raised attention to this, see notes below.

2.  See http://twitpic.com/63lcjg via @EverythingEDL

3.  See http://twitpic.com/63lpo7 via @EverythingEDL, one commentators suggests gassing the rioters depicted in purely racial and racist terms

4.  See http://twitpic.com/63ltwf via @EVerythingEDL, groups chanting “EDL, EDL” in Eltham

Twitter @ihrc

IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone: (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter: @ihrc

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