Supporters of far-right British figure rally as anti-racism demonstrators mount counter-protest
LONDON (AP) - Thousands of supporters of jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson marched through London on Saturday as anti-racism demonstrators mounted a nearby counter-protest.
The so-called Unite the Kingdom march - planned by Robinson and supposed to feature him as speaker - led to calls for his freedom after his arrest Friday on a warrant for contempt of court.
"We want Tommy out,” the crowd of mostly white men chanted. The sea of marchers toted Union and England flags and some waved "Make America Great" banners as they gathered near a fenced-off statute of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the square opposite the Houses of Parliament.
The march was countered by thousands of people organized by the group Stand Up to Racism who held signs saying "Refugees welcome" and "Oppose Tommy Robinson."