Photos, print (c) 2009 Rudolf Cech. All Rights Reserved.
Thursday 22nd October 2009. Anti-fascist gathered outside BBC studios at White City, London to protest against BNP (British National Party) leader Nick Griffin's appearance on BBC programme Question Time.
As soon as I got between the police lines and protesters, one police officer (the one on the right on the picture bellow) started kicking me in the hips and thighs. When I confronted him, he replied: "If you won't stop kicking me, I kick you back!" Oh, what a lovely man.
Protesters wanted to break through the police lines but were stopped.
Earlier that day, before I arrived at BBC HQ and missed it (!!) around 30 demonstrators managed to break through the main gate and stormed in. However, security and police were on it and protesters and journalists were lead or dragged back outside the gate.
The crowd tried to open the gate one more time but this time, riot police was called for help to hold the gate from inside and the break-in attempt was unsuccessful this time.
As we made our way towards the back exit hoping to get a glimpse of Nick Griffin leaving the BBC studios, the mob decided to make its way there too and block the street. But cheeky Mr. Griffin used the front entrance to leave and neither press or protesters managed to get an autograph.
Peaceful protest was led by Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, who is facing court martial for refusing to return to Afghanistan.
March ended at Trafalgar Square where campaigners and anti-war activists held their speeches.
During the speeches anti-war activists confronted few alleged Nazis, EDL, football hooligans or whoever they were.
Police, however, did a good job protecting them and led them away to the safety of police van and drove them away.
