Muslim Anti-war protesters hurled insults at homecoming soldiers in Luton yesterday
A Muslim anti-war protest which marred a parade for soldiers returning from Iraq was today branded "insulting" and "sordid".
Two people were arrested after a disturbance broke out in Luton as soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as The Poachers, paraded in the town centre today.
A group of Muslim protesters, who were hemmed in by police as the parade marched past, waved placards with slogans including: "Anglian Soldiers: Butchers of Basra" and "Anglian Soldiers: cowards, killers, extremists."
GMTV Exclusive
Speaking on GMTV this morning, head of the protest group Anjem Choudary said:
"Definitely there will be a reaction to the people who condemn the British torture, humiliation and crimes which have been committed in Iraq. There is no doubt there is a very strong media machine out there, which is effectively covering up the crimes which the British and Americans have committed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay etc and usually it's only when organisations like ourselves expose those hideous crimes, there is a reaction like this.
"I believe that I have a responsibility to speak up...why is it when two soldiers are killed, there are people demonstrating in Ireland that are praised, but when thousands upon thousands are killed, then suddenly that's completely out of order. The problem is the general public are in blissful ignorance of what's taking place around the world. The reality is that if we'd had this demonstration at another time, when the parade was not taking place, there probably wouldn't have been the same coverage and I wouldn't be sitting here now."
Widespread condemnation
The protests were today condemned by both Defence Secretary John Hutton and his Conservative counterpart Dr Liam Fox.
Mr Hutton said: "I want to pay tribute to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment who have served their country with great bravery and professionalism.
"I can only condemn the tiny minority who used this opportunity to make, whatever their personal views, utterly ridiculous and insulting comments to these brave men and women."
Dr Fox added: "This is offensive, appalling and disgraceful.
"It is only because of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces that these people live in a free society where they are able to make their sordid protests."
@ishaquer89 *Muhammad peace be upon him.
ishaquer89 4 hours ago
@Naggachomp Whatever happened to that famous phrase - Don't let the actions of a few be a reflection for an entire religion? No no no Muhammad was not a evil man, if you are the United Kingdom, please please I urge you to come down to West London to have face to face dialogue, to discuss what you have read and your thoughts, please we'd be more than happy to, the invitation is open, come down and lets get to the bottom of all of this. Don't hide behind a keyboard where your hatred grows.
ishaquer89 4 hours ago
@Naggachomp Islam allows you to think, but ultimately within the guidelines and confines of what the creator Allah has allowed.Again you have been brainwashed by the media by using those that murdered the danish cartoonist as a reflection of the entire religion. Sorry people around Muhammad peace be upon him yeh, okay please present me the evidence which you have failed to do and adhere to who the source is of a person providing this information as people can lie - have u ever considered dat?
ishaquer89 4 hours ago
@ishaquer89 Islam doesn't allow you to think or speak freely. A dead Danish cartoontist says otherwise. People criticize and make fun of other religions, and don't get killed or receive death threats. I've read books published by people around Mohammed during his life and they say he's a murderer. All you need to do is some basic research and it shows Mohammed was an evil man. I feel sorry for you believing in the lie that is Islam. But if you want to be fooled..that is your problem.
Naggachomp 5 hours ago
wasn't much of a mob, as ridiculous as it was, it was over reported.
liamjd1 3 days ago
@Naggachomp Islam allows you to think, why do you think otherwise? He wasn't a con-artist we could have this argument for days and days, the only way we will get somewhere is if you show me your evidence. Muhammad pbuh - I have chosen to follow his message out of free will because the evidence of goodness and truthfulness are too many for me to object. Where's your evidence and have you checked who you are getting your information from?
ishaquer89 4 days ago
@Naggachomp Okay you claim to be on truthhood, please present your evidence. Thanks.
ishaquer89 4 days ago
@Naggachomp I would never convert to Islam! What have I got to lose? My freedom to think clearly and I would never follow some con artist "prophet". You seem like a intelligent person...it's too bad Mohammads lies have taken you.
Naggachomp 4 days ago
@ishaquer89 I've done research and I know what I'm talking about. You saying that Islam wasn't spread by that sword is a lie. You need to do some objective research and find out the truth. People in that region were FORCED to convert. The moon god part is true, and the part about him ripping off Christianity and Judaism is true. How can you not see that!?!? Especially about the part about him stealing from Christianity and Judaism! Geez, Mohammad really did a good job conning people.
Naggachomp 4 days ago
@Naggachomp It is not a rip-off religion it is the last and final message sent to Mankind. He was never evil, he was a great man to walk this earth. May Allah grant him the best in Jannah Ameen. Naggachomp its easy, simply declare that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad peace be upon him is his last and final messenger, enjoin the good and forbid the evil, following Allah's commands and InshAllah you will be succesful. Simple as that, why not? What have you got to lose?
ishaquer89 4 days ago