Police clampdown on democratic rights of anti-EDL protesters (updated)

Peaceful anti-racist protestors and passers-by arrested outside parliament

Police clampdown on democratic rights of anti-EDL protesters

Update – all have now been released.

Twenty people were arrested by the police outside the houses of parliament. They were detained in St James Gardens by the police for no reason, in a clampdown on democratic rights, [but have now been released – update].

They are taking part in a peaceful counter-protest to the English Defence Leagues (EDL) march in support of Geert Wilder, speaking at the House of Lords today.

Paula Mitchell, Socialist Party member, said “We came to peacefully protest at the violent, racist EDL organisation.

“We have committed no crime and have been selected at random for holding by the police, on the basis of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“This is an outrage and an attack on a basic human right, that of freedom of speech and assembly, outside the Houses of Parliament.

“Whilst Geert Wilders is free to whip up racist tensions, those opposing him are denied a voice.”