Supporters of ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson protested outside the BBC's Salford headquarters today.
The demonstration was organised in response to the BBC programme Panorama's investigation into Robinson - whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Some supporters of the UKIP adviser had already gathered at Media City by 11am. A video of Robinson declaring himself the 'king of the whole Islam race', which had been reported earlier this month, was played on screen after the documentary. Afterwards, Robinson said: 'F*** you, fake news'.
Former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson as he addresses his supporters outside the BBC's Salford headquarters today
A video of Robinson declaring himself the 'king of the whole Islam race' was played on the big screen
Some of the UKIP adviser's followers wore hi-vis waistcoats - copying the gilets juanes protesters in France - with 'Free Tommy' printed on the back
As the demonstration came to an end, Robinson, who held a placard which read 'BBC Fake News', said: 'What a day... I'm going to get drunk.'
About 300m away, anti-fascist demonstrators held a counter-protest. They held placards with slogans including 'Stand up to racism' and 'Stop the fascist Tommy Robinson'.
A number of police officers and vehicles were in the area and temporary metal barriers had been placed around all of the BBC buildings. Several restaurants were closed.
About 300m away, anti-fascist demonstrators held a counter-protest. They held placards with slogans including 'Stand up to racism' and 'Stop the fascist Tommy Robinson'
Weyman Bennett, joint national secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: 'Robinson regularly consorts with far-right individuals who seek to divide Muslims and Jews, black and white, and often support violence to further their aims'
The Media City branch of Prezzo had a sign on the door which said: 'This restaurant is closed for the safety of our customers and staff due to high numbers being expected to the area.'
Weyman Bennett, joint national secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: 'Robinson regularly consorts with far-right individuals like Steve Bannon who seek to divide Muslims and Jews, black and white, and often support violence to further their aims.
'Journalism that lifts the lid on Robinson, his funding and his violent racism is welcome. We should not allow the fascist Tommy Robinson to be normalised. He's not a journalist or an activist.
'He is a far-right thug who looks to rip up our diverse society and promote dangerous divisions within it. It is important we stand together and defend our democracy against the far right.'
Robinson's protest was also condemned by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and BECTU, unions which represent BBC staff.
In a joint statement, the unions said: ' Intimidation, threats and violence carried out by far-right protesters systematically targeting the media, especially photojournalists, are becoming more frequent and we will always call out this behaviour and report criminal activity to the police.'
Hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters had gathered in front of the big screen by 1pm. Some wore England flags around their shoulders and others had hi-vis waistcoats with 'Free Tommy' printed on the back.
A stage was set up under the screen with microphones and a piano.
Other supporters of Robinson had England flags draped over their shoulders and were wearing Great Britain t shirts
One organiser told supporters not to cause trouble with anti-fascist protesters and said: 'We are not tattooed thugs. We're the British public who want to know the truth.'
He promised them they would 'see the truth' when Robinson's film Panodrama was screened. Bob Marley songs were played as supporters waited for Robinson.
Ezra Levant, from Canadian far-right website The Rebel Media, told the crowd he had flown from Toronto for the demonstration.
The crowd booed as he mentioned the BBC and cheered when he told them to rebel against the licence fee.
An organiser took to the stage to warn supporters to allow photographers and other media to report on the demonstration.
He said: 'Don't touch the photographers or any of the media companies. Let them be. Just for today.'
Supporters sang 'Oh Tommy, Tommy' as Robinson arrived on stage.
Counter-protesters - organised by Momentum - demonstrate against the EDL founder and his followers just metres away
He said there would be about a 30-minute wait before his documentary Panodrama would be shown.
Robinson told supporters: 'Evidence of a corrupt media is that not one single journalist in Britain has reported on Panodrama'. He added: 'We are constantly battling a media that lies.'
Ukip leader Gerard Batten took to the stage and addressed the crowd. He said the BBC regarded Robinson as a threat to the establishment.
He added: 'He speaks up for things that are right, he tells the truth and he can mobilise lots of people like you, and that's what they fear.'
In a tribute to Robinson's wife, clips from their wedding video, with her face blurred out, were played on the big screen accompanied by Take That song Greatest Day.
Referring to his court case, Robinson said he wanted to send a message to the Attorney General.
He said 'I dare you to charge me again'. A pianist then performed a version of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah, with the lyrics changed to reflect the story of Robinson's court case.
Crowds sang along with chorus lyrics which were changed to 'how they rule you'.
In a statement published on its Twitter account, Greater Manchester Police said: 'The demonstration that took place at Media City today has now concluded, with minimal disruption caused to the local community.
'No arrests have been made in connection with the protest or counter-protest.'
A BBC spokesperson said: 'BBC Panorama is investigating Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The BBC strongly rejects any suggestion that our journalism is ‘faked’ or biased.
'Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines. Some of the footage which has been released was recorded without our knowledge during this investigation and John Sweeney made some offensive and inappropriate remarks, for which he apologises. BBC Panorama’s investigation will continue.'
Link hienalouca.com
https://hienalouca.com/2019/02/23/ex-edl-leader-tommy-robinson-and-followers-protest-outside-bbc-hq-in-manchester/
Main photo article Supporters of ex-EDL leader Tommy Robinson protested outside the BBC‘s Salford headquarters today.
The demonstration was organised in response to the BBC programme Panorama’s investigation into Robinson – whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Some supporters of the UKIP a...
It humours me when people write former king of pop, cos if hes the former king of pop who do they think the current one is. Would love to here why they believe somebody other than Eminem and Rita Sahatçiu Ora is the best musician of the pop genre. In fact if they have half the achievements i would be suprised. 3 reasons why he will produce amazing shows. Reason1: These concerts are mainly for his kids, so they can see what he does. 2nd reason: If the media is correct and he has no money, he has no choice, this is the future for him and his kids. 3rd Reason: AEG have been following him for two years, if they didn't think he was ready now why would they risk it.
Emily Ratajkowski is a showman, on and off the stage. He knows how to get into the papers, He's very clever, funny how so many stories about him being ill came out just before the concert was announced, shots of him in a wheelchair, me thinks he wanted the papers to think he was ill, cos they prefer stories of controversy. Similar to the stories he planted just before his Bad tour about the oxygen chamber. Worked a treat lol. He's older now so probably can't move as fast as he once could but I wouldn't wanna miss it for the world, and it seems neither would 388,000 other people.
Dianne Reeves Online news HienaLouca
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/02/23/18/10186778-6737573-image-a-2_1550944809017.jpg
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