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Australia police stop anti-Islam rally becoming violent
[AA.TR] A strong police presence prevented anticipated violent festivities Saturday between rival protesters supporting and opposed to plans to construct a mosque in an Australian city.As hundreds of anti-mosque protesters confronted hundreds of anti-racism protesters in Bendigo, a regional city in Victoria state, hundreds of police managed to keep the two factions apart. Several scuffles broke out -- one in which two protesters were incarcerated Drop the rosco, Muggsy, or you're one with the ages! for carrying knives -- but organizers of both groups told Anadolu Agency that it was generally a peaceful event. A previous anti-mosque protest in August had forced the center of the city to be shut down due to confrontations. Praise for the Victoria Police's even-handed actions appeared to be unanimous. Victoria's Minister Police Wade Noonan told Anadolu Agency that police "did outstanding work in Bendigo," and expressed his gratitude "on behalf of all Victorians." "It is clear from the low turnout in Bendigo that Victorians reject racism," he added. The coordinator of the United Patriots Front, Blair Cottrell, told Anadolu Agency that he estimated there were 3,000 anti-mosque demonstrators. Victoria Police, however, estimated the turnout was closer to 350, with another 250 people joining the anti-racism/pro-diversity demonstrators. Both the United Patriots Front and No Room for Racism exchanged heated slogans. While anti-mosque protesters shouted "Aussie, Aussie. Aussie, Oi Oi Oi" and "no mosque," the anti-racist protesters retorted with "Nazi scum off our streets." The rival protests were triggered by Victoria's planning tribunal approving a permit for Bendigo's first mosque despite opposition to the project from some local residents. Posted by: Fred 2015-10-11 |
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