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Anti-war protesters hurled insults at homecoming soldiers in Luton - tell us what you think and vote in our poll
A Muslim anti-war protest which marred a parade for soldiers returning from Iraq was today branded "insulting" and "sordid".
Two people were arrested after a disturbance broke out in Luton as soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, known as The Poachers, paraded in the town centre today.
A group of Muslim protesters, who were hemmed in by police as the parade marched past, waved placards with slogans including: "Anglian Soldiers: Butchers of Basra" and "Anglian Soldiers: cowards, killers, extremists."
GMTV Exclusive
Speaking on GMTV this morning, head of the protest group Anjem Choudary said:
"Definitely there will be a reaction to the people who condemn the British torture, humiliation and crimes which have been committed in Iraq. There is no doubt there is a very strong media machine out there, which is effectively covering up the crimes which the British and Americans have committed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay etc and usually it's only when organisations like ourselves expose those hideous crimes, there is a reaction like this.
"I believe that I have a responsibility to speak up...why is it when two soldiers are killed, there are people demonstrating in Ireland that are praised, but when thousands upon thousands are killed, then suddenly that's completely out of order. The problem is the general public are in blissful ignorance of what's taking place around the world. The reality is that if we'd had this demonstration at another time, when the parade was not taking place, there probably wouldn't have been the same coverage and I wouldn't be sitting here now.
"If we don't raise awareness at these times, than these things don't get air time.
"Why is it that killing and torture is acceptable – when you put those things on placards and have a demonstration, it's unpalatable.
"I think the British government, Gordon Brown and the troops are doing a good job to create hatred towards British people in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I think it's a just cause and we need to raise our voices."
Widespread condemnation
The protests were today condemned by both Defence Secretary John Hutton and his Conservative counterpart Dr Liam Fox.
Mr Hutton said: "I want to pay tribute to the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment who have served their country with great bravery and professionalism.
"I can only condemn the tiny minority who used this opportunity to make, whatever their personal views, utterly ridiculous and insulting comments to these brave men and women."
Dr Fox added: "This is offensive, appalling and disgraceful.
"It is only because of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces that these people live in a free society where they are able to make their sordid protests."
Tell us what you think. Should freedom of speech always be upheld? Or should protesters be banned from soldiers' homecomings?
