Ugly scenes as protestors meet on streets of Swansea
MEMBERS of the Welsh Defence League (WDL) and anti-fascist protestors have confronted each other on the streets of Swansea.
Around 50 WDL supporters — and around five times as many opponents — were involved in a tense stand-off around Castle Square on Saturday afternoon.
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Video of march below
The WDL called the march to protest against what they called "extreme Islam's" influence in Wales.
But they were met by hundreds of anti-fascist protestors who turned out hours before the event and held their own counter-rally.
A heavy police presence kept the two sides apart and a tense stand-off ensued.
Darren Cadwallader, a resident of St Helen's Road, said he was there to support the resistance to the WDL demo.
"It is worrying, the intolerance," he said.
"One of the things I love about St Helen's Road is the diversity."
Police kept the WDL supporters contained in a small pocket outside Pizza Express for more than an hour as the two sides taunted each other — chats of "fascist scum off our streets" were met with choruses of "Rule Britannia".
Around 5pm mounted police moved in and the WDL protestors were escorted along High Street to the train station, where some got on trains and the rest were dispersed in small groups, followed by officers.
One arrest was made during the day - a 25-year-man was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence.
Police have hailed the way officers dealt with the protests a success.
Chief Superintendent Mark Mathias said: "I am pleased with the success the police operation today, which allowed the protests to pass off peacefully, whilst taking into the account the rights of the people of Swansea to go about their normal business.
"I would to thank them for patience and understanding for any disruption that was caused."
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by Ap Pedr, Abertawe
Thursday, October 22 2009, 9:07AM
“The Welsh language is getting stronger in Swansea through demand .
I remember when that Asian chap who was a big noise in the Race Discrimination Board who is based in Swansea said you should only speak Welsh in the house and its rude to speak to it front of others . We the Welsh Nation suffers from all angles Left and Right . Like I said it is our culture and our history. And you may of noticed that I wrote languages ! The English and Welsh are both tongues of Cymru... not Polish , Pakistani or whatever else. When in Rome do as the Romans do.”
by Medusa, Swansea
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 8:32PM
“Ap Pedr, Abertawe, our language (Welsh) does not have a chance in Swansea - the majority seem to detest it! Unlike London where it is appreciated!
The lefties whom post here are mere hypocrites whom will step upon their own in order to support the enemy!”
by Ap Pedr, Abertawe
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 12:23PM
“As a Welsh Patriot and Nationalist I have no love for the Extreme Islam that would be forced upon us if they had their way , its a backward religion that wants to conquer the West and us infidels , its a way of life that I would not want for my children or myself. We have a Welsh way of life that is diverse and welcomes all extreme Islam does not. Then I look at the WDL and think what the hell are doing singing 'Brits we are proud of it ' and using Hitler type salutes and there was known racist BNP supporters in there . WDL should= Welsh Defence League but it don't it equals = sell out to the Brits . Know your culture about Cymru about its languages , its history , its resistance to English rule , about our own Royal family. And the same goes to the Unwashed and soap dodgers who jump about in their Antiwar Afghanistan is wrong blah blah , I bet none of you would want to live under a ShiaLaw or a Taliban regime ??? I am all for tolerance but you Brits can go and live in England and the unwashed can go and live in Tehran.
Free Wales Army.”
by Bill the builder, Swansea
Wednesday, October 21 2009, 12:18AM
“John Smith, Swansea local authority pay me a handsomely to sit around and do nothing, but they get me to do the roads sometimes and i havent got a clue so i close ther road off and sit in the JCB eating custard slices, if they get suspicious i pay a few polish people £10 to put some tarmac down
Merv Williams, that women was nothing to do with the WDL, she confessed she was BNP, the WDL and EDL have no link to the BNP and dont promote them.”
by Medusa, Swansea
Tuesday, October 20 2009, 9:12PM
“Very well said Bill the builder, Swansea.”