The conflict in Lebanon has had its echoes here in Denmark with various demonstrations taking place across the country. Most were arranged by Left wing and Muslim groups and brought mostly immigrant Danes on to the streets, but some ethnic Danes were also present. Support for Israel was pretty meagre and I've only seen one pro Israeli demonstration mentioned in the media. 2 min video.
The biggest demonstration was held by Hizb ut-Tahir marching through the Nørrebro quarter to Copenhagen's Council House Square. As usual the police kept a low but visible profile. Some Danish observers have reported an antagonism in the air, but little actual violence (only two assaults, one against a pro Israel demonstrator on a bus, where the only person to intervene was another immigrant Dane). It was also noted that instead of the usual angry statements against the 'zionist state', the speakers on the Council House Square now openly spoke out against 'Jews'.
Antisemitisme i fuld blomst på Danske jord
At another demonstration held by the far left political group Enhedlisten, Irene Clausen, a member of the International Forums, Middle East group said, "We are here today to show our anger against the zionist state of Israel." She went to elaborate, telling her fellow demonstrators that Israel 'does nothing without first clearing its actions with the USA' and what she wanted, what her fellow demonstrators wanted, was 'nothing short of a revolution in the whole Middle East'.
"We don't care about whether or not the USA calls liberation movements for terrorists" she told the crowd who answered by chanting "Down, down, Israel, down, down, USA".
Hizbollah flags and pictures of Hassan Nasrallah were also present at the Left Wing demonstration. Some people wore T shirts which depicted the star of David as a swastika and one of the speakers told the crowd that 'Jews are only interested in money, power and land". Later a rap song about "the fucking Jews" was played. Arne Lund, of the Enhedslisten was later asked if the group now openly supported anti semitism and whether or not they supported Hezbollah. He said no to both questions.
Other protests for peace also took place, but these seem to have received very little media attention.
In Sweden, demonstrations there appear to have gotten violent.
moif: My brother was in the city of Odense and he reports a similar Muslim demonstration there.
4 comments:
"Incitement to racial hatred" would be a crime over here - if anyone dare enforce it and upset the Islamic community. There are two sides for every story and whilst Israel might have the upper hand at the moment Hezbollah is not without blood on its hands.
It is the same here also and one guy, a historian mentioned in the Danish article I linked to, had already informed the police before hand that it was likely the law would be over stepped.
According to the article the police have said they have the matter in hand. I'd fully expect charges to pressed, but as you say, people, even the Police are hesitant to confront Muslims for fear of the adverse consequences.
The other side of all this is reflected in the mood of the majority. The news that 10,000 'Danes' were living in Lebanon, even in Hezbollah territory has not gone down well. I'm still waiting to see the ultimate fall out of thsi, but it seems that many of those who were livng in Lebanon were actually granted Danish citizenry on the basis of persecution in Lebanon and the nationalists have demanded to know how many of these people were illegally drawing social benefits.
The Socialists have replied that such questions amount to persecuting people who are facing a terrible time.
Apparently a number of British nationals were Lebanonese that had fled the country during the 80's invasion and had sought sanctuary in the UK as a result. once the fighting had stopped most of them returned to their home country to continue their interrupted lives whilst still retaining British citizenship. Now that war threatens again they have excerised their right to be brought "home" and rescued - at the British tax payers expense. The questions have yet to be asked about who paid, did they claim benefit etc.. One question that has not been raised is that of tax. As British citizens if they stay here for more than 90 days in any one tax year they should be liable for income tax for the entire year and possibly longer. What the media seems to be losing sight of is that Hezbollah is, according to the US, the UN & NATO, a terrorist organisation of the highest order.
A lot of people seem to have missed that point...
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