Posted on 01/18/2009 11:40:05 AM PST by atomic conspiracy
A demonstration in London against Israeli attacks on Gaza ended in violence after protesters looted and damaged shops, police said.
Scotland Yard is investigating the damage, which was thought to be targeted at coffee shop chain Starbucks for the second week running.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "(It) is believed to be two branches of Starbucks, one in Shaftesbury Avenue, junction with Rupert Street and one in Piccadilly. Windows have been smashed and shops looted."
The spokesman, who stressed the trouble was caused by a small minority, said officers contained a group of up to 200 people in Piccadilly which they believed was making its way to the Israeli Embassy in Kensington High Street.
And about 40 people were contained in Hyde Park to prevent a further breach of the peace, he added.
Commander Bob Broadhurst, in charge of public order policing for the Met, said: "Once again what we have witnessed in London is a group of thugs, who are not interested in lawful protest, run through the streets smashing shops without care for the alarm they caused the public.
"Thousands of people expressed their views in an earlier, lawful, rally in Trafalgar Square...What followed was totally unacceptable criminal behaviour by a small minority who do not appear to care about any cause. Their behaviour was inexcusable as they took part in wanton criminality."
The violence followed demonstrations by thousands of protesters, who waved banners demanding an end to the attacks on Gaza and chanted "Free. Free Palestine".
The Met said 3,500 gathered in Trafalgar Square in central London, while organisers of a rally in Birmingham said more than 5,000 people turned up.
An Israeli flag was set alight at the rally outside Birmingham's Council House in Victoria Square.
How dreadful, Commander! Someone should call the police!"
A lesson for Americans. Remember the Korean shop owners during the Rodney King riots? NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUNS.
The Brits are far too “tolerant” of muslim hate and criminal behavior.
“A lesson for Americans. Remember the Korean shop owners during the Rodney King riots? NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUNS.”
Molon Labe! From my cold, dead hands!
Sorry for using others’ words, but they said what needs to be said far better than I could.
Apparently someone started an internet rumor that Starbucks was donating to the Israeli was cause....
High Volume. Articles on Israel can also be found by clicking on the Topic or Keyword Israel. or WOT [War on Terror]
----------------------------
Mayhem, rioting, looting, isn't that part of the democratic process?
More than likely, the opposite is happening which makes the irony that much sweeter.
I can totally understand why the BNP is gaining new members by the day.
“Mayhem, rioting, looting, isn’t that part of the democratic process?”
No, but it is part of the democrats’ process.
The more the muzzies riot and loot, the more chaos is generated for all to see.
Sooner or later enough decent folks are going to get tired of the chaos, and maybe they will take matters into their own hands.
If this does not happen...in France, England, and yes, right here in River City...the muslims will prevail due to official PC. We cannot count on the "authorities" to stop our country from being overrun by hostile people....either muzzie or mex.
A lot of Brits are very pissed off at muslim behavior.
And a lot more allow it to happen. (Evil flourishes when good men do nothing)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.