August 24, London – We Are All Antifascist WE ARE ALL…

August 24, London – We Are All Antifascist

WE ARE ALL ANTI-FASCIST We call on all opposed to the far right to join us at a counter demo to the “Free Tommy” events announced to be held in Central London on Saturday 24th August. DETAILS TBC – FOLLOW UPDATES Last Saturday, London Antifascist Assembly (LAFA) took to the streets to oppose a group of far-right activists who had come to Central London. Groups from the Anti-Fascist Network (AFN), as well as several anti-fascist and anti-racist groups from other cities and towns came down to London to support the demo. The far-right were gathering in support of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka ‘Tommy Robinson’, the former leader of the English Defense League (EDL), who is currently in jail for nearly derailing a high-profile child abuse trial. The far-right gathering, though protected by police, was repeatedly blocked from moving by the maneuvering of our bloc of anti-fascists. The far right tried to attack our bloc several times, but were unsuccessful. Towards the end of the day, as the far-right rally broke up, small groups roamed Central London shouting racist chants, attacking uninvolved bystanders, who were largely people of colour, and engaging in drunken brawls with the cops. LAFA understands many of them were arrested. While no anti-fascists that we know of were arrested, the police’s resources – as is usually the case – were dedicated to kettling our bloc while the far right ran wild. Despite antagonism from the police, including the use of police horses, the anti-fascist bloc maintained its discipline, kept together and stayed focused on blocking the far right. When the far right attempt to mobilise in London, we will oppose them. We will not stand by as they attempt to spread their messages of hatred and division. LONDON IS ANTI-FASCIST!