Violent Protests Condemned by Liberal Democrats

8.40.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 7th Sep 2009

Liberal Democrats across Birmingham have condemned the violent scenes that erupted during a protest against Islamic fundamentalism from the English Defence League on Saturday. It is the third time in three months that trouble has flared during protests in the city centre.

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Police estimate that 200 people were involved in the trouble which led to more than 50 arrests in Digbeth, the Bennetts Hill area and across the city centre. Groups of mainly young, white and Asian men were involved.

Local campaigner David Nikel lives and works in Ladywood ward which covers the city centre. He said, "Birmingham has a reputation as a multicultural and tolerant city. But right now this is at risk from these violent thugs claiming to be holding peaceful protests. Most of them are from outside Birmingham and they have come to our city to whip up racial hatred. It is simply not acceptable."

David went on to add, "This is nothing to do with free speech. The right to genuine protest and points of view must be upheld, but this goes way beyond that. There was no message delivered by the English Defence League other than one of hatred and violence. That has no place in our city.

"The safety of our residents and visitors must be the priority. I call upon Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police to ban any future protests from extremist organisations such as the English Defence League."

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