Around 80 people held a vigil last Sunday in response to the racist desecration of Muslim gravestones in Manchester.
“Thank you for organising the vigil,” Habib Dar told protesters. “I came to visit my father’s grave today. I was shocked to find the stone has been pushed over.
“I cannot understand why people would do such a thing. I am very upset.”
Twenty Muslim gravestones at Manchester’s Southern Cemetery were vandalised in what police have described as a race hate crime.
Local activists from Unite Against Fascism (UAF) called the vigil at very short notice.
Many local people came, including a delegation of local Jews, Muslims, trade unionists and pensioners.
“Nothing like this has ever happened at this cemetery before,” explained Ahmed.
“But we know it is not just a coincidence that the English Defence League are planning to be in Manchester next Saturday. They are trying to intimidate us, but we will all be out there on the protest.”
Mike Killian from Manchester UAF said, “The BNP’s election encouraged this outrage. But it has strengthened our resolve to protest against the EDL in Manchester next Saturday.”
Protest against the English Defence League. Meet 12 noon, Saturday 10 October, Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
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