£100,000. 18 fascists. 6 police forces. 1 ring of steel. 1 arrest.
The only thing more embarrassing today than the pitiful fascist turnout, was the pathetic smash happy cops. Happy to force a march through of the dregs of the EDL, the die-hard zeig-heilers that are left behind couldn’t even agree on a chant in their little picnic of rollies and booze on College Green. A strong turnout for the Refugees Welcome rally, anti-fascists but more hilariously the Naked Bike ride highlighted the lack of willing ants of the Bristol United Patriots, or was it the Bristol Defence League, or the South West Infidels. It’s hard to keep up with such a piss poor shit show.
photo credit: @louisjemanuel
Meanwhile a ‘Refugees Welcome’ rally and Bristol Antifascists rally and mobilisation attracted hundreds between them, with a strong determination and continuous effort to block the fascists, who only succeeded in their short walk thanks to the sheer numbers of police protecting them.
Full report soon. In the meantime, point and laugh…
Over the last couple of days we’ve seen reports of how antifascists successfully repelled a small group of far right thugs (which was the South West Infidels according to their own page) from gatecrashing an anti-racist event. Obviously it had to take them a while to write up another bullshit tale of how they were somehow victorious ignoring the fact that the good folk of The Bristol Cable have a far more detailed report of what actually happened.
Despite South West Infidels’ delusional report and chest beating imaginings (one too many knocks to the head perhaps?), they were absolutely, decisively dealt with and seen off. Not a good night for fascist attempts to take the streets of St. Paul’s and intimidate anti racists. Further evidence of the fascists’ need for good running shoes was had as they were forced to flee in the face of a very concerted defence of the meeting. What a top show…
A fight kicked off last night outside City Road Baptist Church in Stokes Croft where a Stand Up to Racism meeting was taking place. The clashes began as a group of between 7-10 men began to unfurl flags including the St George’s Cross and the fascist cross, the latter widely used by neo-Nazi groups and violence prone fascist organisations. Within seconds they were on the back foot as anti-fascist activists appeared to confront them and defend the meeting. A series of quick clashes ensued, with the fascists clearly coming worse off and rapidly retreating down Stokes Croft, with some clearly showing signs of injury. Anti-fascist activists continued to keep watch outside the church until the meeting was over 2 hours later.
It is unknown what organisation, if any, was behind the attempted disruption of the anti-racism meeting. However groups such as the South West Infidels and the New British Union of Fascists are known to have activity in Bristol. The fascist action in a known multi-cultural and anti-fascist area may suggest an escalation in tactics by the extreme right in Bristol.
The Stand Up to Racism meeting, attended by around 100 people, continued with several speakers. They were mayoral candidates Marvin Rees (Labour Party) and Tony Dyer (Green Party) as well as Joanne Kaye, South West Regional Secretary for Unison. A representative from the Jamia Mosque in Totterdown, which was subject to a racist action in January, was also present.
