Protests by Far-Right Groups Spread in Britain
Tensions escalated after three girls were stabbed in Southport, England, and escalated with attacks on a mosque. Following the attack, speculation spread rapidly on social media that the attacker was a Muslim refugee named Ali. This led to attacks by far-right groups on mosques and Muslim homes and businesses.
Since it is illegal to reveal the identities of people under the age of 18 in UK courts, the accuracy of the information circulating on social media regarding the identity of the 17-year-old suspect has been a matter of debate. The name of Cardiff-born Axel Rudakubana emerged as a result of the protests and speculation on social media. However, the attacks by the far-right have not stopped and 53 police officers have been injured during these actions.
These actions, in which mosques and Muslims are targeted, are observed in major cities such as Cardiff, Liverpool, Manchester and Sunderland, as well as the capital London.
Call for Revolt in 35 Cities
Supporters of the far-right English Defense League have called for organized protests in 35 towns and cities across the country this weekend, with opposition groups also mobilizing to stage protests against the far-right. According to the Independent newspaper, the police responded to reports of far-right groups besieging a mosque in Sunderland, in the north of the country, and a number of prosecutors were arrested during the intervention.
Finally, yesterday in Manchester, in central England, far-right groups marched to the city square making the Nazi salute and clashed with a larger opposing group. These incidents have caused deep division and tension in society, while security forces are struggling to bring the situation under control.
