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news item

12/09/09

Victory for anti-fascists as thousands turn out to defend Harrow mosque from far right groups

An anti-Muslim demonstration outside Harrow Central Mosque was prevented on Friday when over 2,000 people turned out to defend the mosque from the racists and fascists.

The huge turnout from ordinary people of all ethnic backgrounds meant that the racist groups simply could not get anywhere near the mosque. Anti-fascist protesters chanted “Whose streets? Our streets!” and “We are black, we are white, together we are dynamite.”

The solidarity vigil was called by Unite Against Fascism and started at lunchtime. The numbers grew throughout the afternoon, growing to thousands by 5pm, the time that the anti-Muslim groups had said they would arrive.

A rally was held in the streets with speakers including Tony McNulty, MP for Harrow East, Navin Shah, London Assembly member for Brent & Harrow, and Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of UAF. Trade union banners were present from the PCS and Unite.

Earlier in the day Navin Shah and campaigners from Brent & Harrow UAF presented a solidarity statement to the mosque that had been signed by local people and politicians.

While the anti-fascist rally was for the most part peaceful and good natured, there were sporadic clashes when small groups of racists attempted to get near the mosque.

The racists were chased off by groups of Muslim youths, leading to occasional clashes with police. UAF believes the blame for these incidents lies firmly with the racists trying to intimidate Muslims, not with the youths trying to protect their community.

Weyman Bennett, joint secretary of UAF, said: “Today in Harrow was a victory for everyone who wants to defend our multicultural society from racists and fascists.

“The English Defence League and other groups of bigots wanted to march on a mosque and chant ‘Muslims out’. Instead they were kept away because ordinary people from all backgrounds turned out in solidarity with Harrow’s Muslim community.

“We have a simple message for these racist and fascist groups. We will not let you turn the clock back to the 1970s when your thugs could attack black and Asian people with impunity. An injury to one is an injury to all – and your attempts to target and scapegoat Muslims will fail.”

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