'Provocative' Wootton Bassett march planned by extremist

FIREBRAND cleric Anjem Choudary has vowed to go ahead with an extremist Islamic procession through Wootton Bassett – the town famed for honouring British soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Choudary, head of Muslim group Al-Muhajiroun, said he didn't care if people found the march provocative, and boasted of being able to call up 500 protestors.

Asked why he was against crowds honouring fallen British soldiers, he said: "The same could be said about the Germans fighting for Nazism in the Second World War. Those involved in 7/7 and 9/11 considered themselves to be soldiers.

"How would the British people feel if there was a parade for those who carried out 9/11 or 7/7?"

He said: "I think that when faced with the realities of what is taking place in Afghanistan, people will be shocked and surprised.

"They may think this procession is provocative, but the facts are sometimes shocking. When one looks at what is taking place on the ground there is a stark contrast to what is reported in the media. The objective is to force the government to withdraw its troops.

"We are thinking of walking down the main street and carrying some very plain messages about the reality of the truth and try to symbolise the great number of people who have died, as opposed to the one or two coffins that come back each day from RAF Lyneham.

"We need to get people to appreciate how many have been killed.

"The British need to open their minds and realise the reasons why Britain is fighting in Afghanistan, and why this conflict is taking place.

"I could easily muster 500 people for a rally tomorrow. We have even had support from the families of British soldiers, who say they support us in principle and they think it's a good thing."