British police have claimed extremists belonging to the group 'Muslims Against Crusades' (MAC) has vowed to turn the April 29 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton into a 'nightmare'
British police have claimed extremists belonging to the group 'Muslims Against Crusades' (MAC) has vowed to turn the April 29 royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton into a 'nightmare'.
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The Daily Mail quoted police as saying they are planning to arrange a ''forceful demonstration'' with thousands of protesters to burn the Union Jack, images of the Crown, and the bridal couple.
The group, including Emdadur Choudhury, who was fined 50 pounds for burning poppies on Armistice Day last November, has reportedly applied for permission to protest outside Westminster Abey on the day of the wedding.
"We are expecting thousands of people to protest. We may burn the flag and the Crown. We will make models of the Royal couple and burn those," MAC spokesman Abu Abujandal said.
Police fear that violence could break out as the right-wing English Defence League has already given a notice, expressing intentions to protest against the Muslim group.
Security officials are working towards dismantling any possible disruption by banning 60 troublemakers charged with public order offences at past demonstrations from entering the City of Westminster on the day as part of their bail conditions.
Almost 5,000 Met officers would reportedly be deployed to combat disorder on April 29, and some are expected to move around the West End to prevent a repeat of the TUC march trouble like last month, when thugs had attacked businesses and shops, laying siege to the Ritz hotel and Fortnum and Mason.
Met Assistant Commissioner Lynne Owens said flag burning would not be tolerated, adding: "The current threat level is obviously severe. We have to be clear that anyone intending to come to London on the day of the royal wedding to commit criminal acts. We will act quickly, robustly and decisively so that it's a happy event for everybody else."