Britainâ„¢s Far-right groups and anti-fascist campaigners have engaged in scuffles in London during rival demonstrations marking the murder of a soldier in Woolwich more than a week ago.
The Metropolitan Police arrested 58 people on Saturday after members of Unite against Fascism refused to move to let the British National Party (BNP) march to the Cenotaph in Whitehall, British media reported.
Police had to keep BNP supporters carrying anti-Islam placards apart from a larger group of anti-racist demonstrators outside Parliament in central London.
The protests were triggered by the killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week by two meat cleaver-wielding assailants.
Police, politicians and activists are reporting a rise in anti-Muslim incidents since the incident on May 22.
Small groups of English Defence League (EDL) supporters met in cities and towns including Sheffield, Cambridge and Colchester, and 150 members of the BNP met at Westminster. In London and elsewhere, the protesters were outnumbered by police and anti-fascist demonstrators.
The two prime suspects in the killing were recently discharged from hospitals after being shot by police on the day of the killing. Michael Adebowale, 22, has been charged with murder, while 28-year-old Michael Adebolajo is being questioned.
In Edinburgh, the Scottish Defence League protested outside the Scottish parliament, while Unite Against Fascism organised a counter-protest. Police kept the two groups apart but the protesters dispersed without incident.
On Friday, Rigby’s family released a plea for peace, saying their son would not want people to use his name as an excuse to carry out attacks against others.
MOL/HE
This article originally appeared on: Press TV