England, April 18: Fourteen people have been arrested following the rival protest of the two political groups in West Yorkshire town brought disorder in the town centre.
Around 150 protesters from English Defence League (EDL) gathered in the Bull Green area, whereas over 50 demonstrators supporting the Muslim Defence League (MDL) converged on the Park Ward area.
According to the West Yorkshire Police, about 200 officers who were controlling the rival demonstration finally arrested 14 people over public disorders. The detainees are reported to be mostly men from the English Defence League group.
Acting Superintendent Martin Lister, from West Yorkshire Police’s Calderdale Division, said, “Our officers enjoyed a tremendous response to Sunday’s operation from the local public which ensured that today’s demonstrations could both pass peacefully without disorder, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents and businesses of Halifax for this.”
“West Yorkshire Police is fully committed to upholding freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest. Although it has to be said that a minority seemed intent on causing disorder, the majority of those taking part demonstrated peacefully and with respect for the rights of other people within our community.”
——-Agencies