The Violence of the West Midlands Police against the EDL in Coventry - The 4 Freedoms Library2024-03-28T22:53:06Zhttp://4freedoms.com/forum/topics/the-violence-of-the-west-midlands-police-against-the-edl-in?groupUrl=uk&feed=yes&xn_auth=noEDL spokesman Ian Crossland w…tag:4freedoms.com,2016-06-02:3766518:Comment:1795152016-06-02T21:28:45.240ZC J Bernardhttp://4freedoms.com/profile/CJBernard
<p>EDL spokesman Ian Crossland was interviewed before the demo on 21 May 2016</p>
<p>Published<br></br> 9:00 am, May 21, 2016</p>
<p>UPDATED: 5:53 pm, May 20, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/leading-figure-edl-says-far-right-group-will-protest-protect-city/" target="_blank">http://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/leading-figure-edl-says-far-right-group-will-protest-protect-city/</a></p>
<blockquote><p>A LEADING figure in the English Defence League has told the Observer the…</p>
</blockquote>
<p>EDL spokesman Ian Crossland was interviewed before the demo on 21 May 2016</p>
<p>Published<br/> 9:00 am, May 21, 2016</p>
<p>UPDATED: 5:53 pm, May 20, 2016</p>
<p><a href="http://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/leading-figure-edl-says-far-right-group-will-protest-protect-city/" target="_blank">http://coventryobserver.co.uk/news/leading-figure-edl-says-far-right-group-will-protest-protect-city/</a></p>
<blockquote><p>A LEADING figure in the English Defence League has told the Observer the far-right group will march this weekend ‘to protect the public’.</p>
<p>Speaking ahead of their Coventry demonstration this weekend, national lead for the EDL, Ian Crossland, said the group were marching to force Coventry to recognise ‘serious issues’ in the city.</p>
<p>The 42-year-old from Sheffield, who will join hundreds of far-right supporters in the city this weekend, claimed: “Coventry has gangs grooming youngsters and a high rate of young people being radicalised and sent to fight for jihad.</p>
<p>“There are Muslim imams and clerics in the city who are actively preaching hate and recruiting for extremism.</p>
<p>“This is a blatatent Muslim issue and an issue within Islam.</p>
<p>“While not all Muslims are extremists, there are people that are.”</p>
<p>When asked about the group’s message potentially causing offence to Coventry’s diverse communities, Crossland claimed the EDL were doing a ‘service’ – helping bring the problems in particular problems areas including Foleshill, Radford, and Edgewick Park to the surface.</p>
<p>He added: “Counter groups are just sticking their heads in the sand – what are they doing to combat the problem of extremism and the sexual exploitation of children?</p>
<p>“They are living in ignorant bliss by simply spouting the politically correct line without actually broaching the issue.</p>
<p>“Being politically correct does not help anyone – we are doing this to protect the public.</p>
<p>“I’d happily meet with the Bishop of Coventry and the leading people from Unite Against Fascism to have a frank public debate on the matter.”</p>
<p>Mr Crossland also blamed the media for creating the EDL’s notorious reputation and fueling a ‘witch hunt’ against members.</p>
<p>Claiming most people arrested at EDL demonstrations were actually from counter-protest groups, he argued the EDL had worked hard to move away from their murky, violent past.</p>
<p>The group will meet at the Litten Tree pub where Mr Crossland said drinking will not be banned entirely – attendees instead encouraged to enjoy alcohol in moderation.</p>
<p>“At the end of the day, we are in Coventry to do a job,” he said.</p>
<p>“Yes, it is an emotive subject that people are passionate about, but we are standing up for a cause.”</p>
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