Manchester Town Hall dissected by protests. Literally!

THE heart of Manchester was split in two halves by riots.

On the 2nd of March, 2013, opposing groups: Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and English Defense League (EDL), cordoned off Albert Square.

A convoy of 300 Greater Manchester Police officers were to keep the two parties separate. At the same time, they were responsible for the safety of civilians.

UAF supporter by Reny Mihaylova

The UAF's riot commenced at 11 am in Piccadilly Gardens. They were directed towards Albert Square at 1 pm.

The UAF protected their views that English cities are "melting pots of cultures."

"Manchester is a multicultural city. It has welcomed people from all over the world for generations,"said Kevin Orr, a protester.

"I think it is appalling that Nazis, like the EDL are allowed to hold a riot in the center of the city."

    


The EDL's starting point was Water Street. They were escorted to Albert Square at around 2 pm.

 They were protesting against Islam extremism.

"It's not about race, it's about Islam," announces their website.

The EDL believe that a reform eradicating extremism should be established in the Muslim community of Manchester.

EDL riot by Reny Mihaylova

Recap of the day:

• 15 arrests were made (12 - EDL, 3 - UAF)
• 700 were the rioters from the EDL, 350 were the UAF protesters

I, personally, take the stand of tolerance. I see the world as a place created equally for all men. But with the fast degradation of our society this idealistic approach is impossible.

Today, both parties pretended to be promoting the same idea: for obtaining peace. This concept was reflected through two separate prisms.

The UAF believe in a community build on the principles of tolerance.

The EDL accept a community where Islamic extremism is abolished.