THE family of Royal Fusilier Lee appealed for calm after violence flared at demonstrations involving the Scottish Defence League and British National Party.
Source/Credit: Daily Record
By George Mair | Jun 2, 2013
A FAR-RIGHT rabble trying to exploit the murder of soldier Lee Rigby clashed with anti-fascist campaigners in Edinburgh and London yesterday.
About 150 members of the Scottish Defence League – some carrying Union flags and “RIP Lee Rigby” banners – were outnumbered by opponents.
Surrounded by police, the SDL marched from Waverley train station to the Scottish Parliament. The heavy police presence prevented any violence during a face-off with up to 300 protesters.
In London, a British National Party protest flared into violence with 31 arrests at a counter-demo by United Against Fascism.
A group of 300 UAF protesters were stopped in Old Palace Yard, which was outside the area they were
supposed to stay in.
At least one BNP activist suffered a cut to the nose after shouting over the barriers spilled into violence. Police – some with dogs – tried to break up the disorder.
The family of Royal Fusilier Lee, who was hacked to death in Woolwich last month, appealed for calm before the protests across the UK.
The BNP were banned by police from marching to Woolwich Barracks, where Lee, 25, was based.
In Edinburgh, the rivals were kept 50 metres apart by barriers and a line of police.
SDL demonstrators sang Rule Britannia and chanted “there’s only one Lee Rigby” while protesters waving banners reading “the hate stops here” responded with “Nazi scum, off our streets”.
Families visiting Holyrood Palace scurried away.
A minute’s silence was observed at 2.10pm. The SDL said it was for Lee. Anti-fascist protesters said it was for “all victims of hate”.
SDL members left a dozen bouquets of flowers near the entrance to the Parliament.
Their organiser Graham Walker said the demo was “an opportunity for people to come and pay their respects”.
The UAF’s Luke Henderson said: “The people who carried out Lee Rigby’s murder wanted to see divisions between communities and hate perpetuated
“It’s ironic the SDL seem to have a similar aim, yet claim to be acting in his name.
“The family of Lee Rigby don’t want his name to be used to justify hate or attacks.”
Police said there had been no arrests.
Prayers and a minute’s silence in tribute to Lee will be held at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Glasgow today.
Read original post here: Fascists ignore pleas for calm from soldier Lee Rigby's family as they clash with opponents in Edinburgh and London
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