EVENT: March for democracy this weekend

This coming weekend, British Muslims in the UK are aiming to fly the flag for secular democracy in a move to distance themselves from Islamic extremism. A group by the name of British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) is aiming to unite a number of religious and non-religious groups in a march to stake a claim for democracy. The protest will be held at Piccadilly Circus from 1pm. This counter-demonstration will highlights how British Muslims are united against the extreme views of certain Muslim groups and how the multi-cultural and multi-faith democratic society we live in is a prized asset and needs to be preserved. The demonstration has been supported in the media with various Muslim figures writing in National newspapers. Have a read of MCB's media secretary Inayat Bungawala writing in the Guardian last week explaining why MCB is supporting the idea of this march. Similarly, Shaaz Mahboob from the BMSD later in the week also stressed the importance of Muslims and non-Muslims uniting in their march for freedom. More information can be found at www.seculardemocracy.org and on the event facebook page.

The counter-demonstration is, most crucially, a direct response from British Muslims to Islam4UK's call for Shariah law in the UK. The radical Islamic group led by controversial cleric Anjem Choudary will be holding a march in Central London on the same day demanding the full implementation of Shariah law in Britain. 'March for Sharia' gets underway at 1pm from the Houses of Parliament before heading to Downing Street and ending in Trafalgar Sq. The man at the centre of it all is well known for playing a prominent role in the now disbanded Al-Muhajioroun. You may also remember him for orchestrating the protest in Luton against British soldiers. Choudary, a regular in the media sees himself as a prominent voice for the Muslim community in the UK. However, this couldn't be further from the truth as Muslims in the UK either don't know of him, or if they do, they disagree with his extreme views. Despite this, he continues to put forward his case for the implementation of Shariah law and in doing so, is taking advantage of his democratic right to freedom of speech. For further information about the march, click HERE.

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