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{{short description|British anti-Islamic organisation}}
{{Infobox Organization
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
|name = Stop Islamisation of Europe
{{Infobox
|image = SIOE LOGO.jpg
|size = 160px
| =
|abbreviation = SIOE
| = SIOE
| size = 160px
|motto = ''Racism is the lowest form of human stupidity, but Islamophobia is the height of common sense''
|formation = 2007
| =
| formation = 2007
|headquarters = [[United Kingdom]]
|type = [[Anti-Islamism]]
| = [[]]
| type =
|website = http://sioe.wordpress.com/
| = Stop Islamisation of Europe
}}
}}
'''Stop Islamisation of Europe'''<ref name="independent1"/> ('''SIOE'''), also known as '''Stop the [[Islamification]] of Europe''', is a right-wing group opposed to Muslim immigration.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/11/rightwing-anti-fascist-protesters-riot | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Rightwing and anti-fascist protesters riot in London | first=Aidan | last=Jones | date=2009-09-11 | accessdate=2010-05-24}}</ref> anti-[[Islamist]] political interest group which has been active in [[Denmark]] and the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4679482,00.html |title=London police arrest 10 after anti-Islam protest turns ugly &#124; Europe &#124; Deutsche Welle &#124; 11.09.2009 |publisher=Dw-world.de |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> The group originated out of the joining of the Danish group {{Link-interwiki| en=Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark| en_text=Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark| lang=da| lang_title=Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark}} with English anti-Islam activists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sioe.wordpress.com/about/ |title=About SIOE « SIOE Stop Islamisation Of Europe |publisher=Sioe.wordpress.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-14}}</ref>


'''Stop Islamisation of Europe''' ('''SIOE''') is a pan-European [[counter-jihad]]<ref name="mulhall">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s9EwEAAAQBAJ&dq=Stop+Islamization+of+America+counter-jihad&pg=PT35|title=Drums In The Distance: Journeys Into the Global Far Right|first=Joe|last=Mulhall|publisher=Icon|year=2021|isbn=9781785787522}}</ref> organisation with the stated goal of "preventing [[Islam]] from becoming a dominant political force in [[Europe]]".<ref name="cnn1" /> It is a political interest group which has been active in [[Denmark]] and has conducted anti-Islamic protests in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4679482,00.html |title=London police arrest 10 after anti-Islam protest turns ugly |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date= 2009-09-11|access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref> The group originated out of the joining of the Danish group [[Stop Islamisation of Denmark]] with English anti-Islam activists.<ref name="wordpress1">{{cite web |url=http://sioe.wordpress.com/about/ |title=About SIOE |publisher=Stop Islamisation of Europe |access-date=2009-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519100244/http://sioe.wordpress.com/about/ |archive-date=19 May 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The group's proclaimed aim is to oppose [[Islamic extremism]];<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8251958.stm |title=UK &#124; England &#124; London &#124; Denham condemns right-wing groups |publisher=BBC News |date= 2009-09-12|accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> they have the motto "Racism is the lowest form of human stupidity, but [[Islamophobia]] is the height of common sense".<ref>{{cite web|author=(AFP) &ndash; 1 day ago |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwZPeWIWZShG8yCcn9lbA1yXg6JQ |title=AFP: Riot police quell clashes at anti-Islam demo in London |publisher=Google.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> In September 2009, [[John Denham (politician)|John Denham]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]'s [[Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government|Communities Secretary]], criticised the group and stated that it was "trying to provoke violence on Britain's streets" and called it "right-wing".<ref name="autogenerated1"/> [[Unite Against Fascism]] have opposed the group.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8251598.stm |title=UK &#124; England &#124; London &#124; Ten arrested over mosque protest |publisher=BBC News |date= 2009-09-11|accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref>

The group says that its aim is to oppose [[Islamic extremism]];<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8251958.stm |title=Denham condemns right-wing groups |work=BBC News |date= 2009-09-12|access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref> they have the motto "Racism is the lowest form of human stupidity, but [[Islamophobia]] is the height of common sense".<ref>{{cite web|author=(AFP) – 1 day ago |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwZPeWIWZShG8yCcn9lbA1yXg6JQ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918113515/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwZPeWIWZShG8yCcn9lbA1yXg6JQ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 September 2009 |title=AFP: Riot police quell clashes at anti-Islam demo in London |access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref>


==Ideology==
==Ideology==
{{islamophobia}}
The group describes itself as an alliance "with the single aim of preventing Islam becoming a dominant political force in Europe." <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/09/11/britain.mosque.protest/ |title=8 arrested at protest outside mosque in London |publisher=CNN.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> The organisation calls for the total boycott of Muslim countries and even countries with Muslim minorities such as [[Cameroon]].<ref>http://sioe.wordpress.com/boycotts/</ref> It calls on its followers to avoid [[Fisher Price]], [[Asda]], [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] and The [[Radisson Hotels|Radisson Hotel chain]] for apparently pandering to the Muslim community.<ref>http://sioe.wordpress.com/boycotts/</ref> The [[British National Party]] denies any links with Stop the Islamification of Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnp.org.uk/tag/sioe/|title=“UAF” Violent Thugs Attack Police in Pro-Islamification Riot|publisher=British National Party |date= |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref>
The group describes itself as an alliance "with the single aim of preventing Islam becoming a dominant political force in Europe."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/09/11/britain.mosque.protest/ |title=8 arrested at protest outside mosque in London |publisher=CNN |date= |=2009-09-12}}</ref> The organisation calls for the total boycott of Muslim countries .http://sioe.wordpress.com/boycotts/</ref> [[FisherPrice]], [[Asda]], [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] and The [[Radisson Hotels|Radisson Hotel chain]] .<ref =../>


==History==
==History==
The group Stop the [[Islamification]] of Europe was inspired by a Danish group of the same name which have held protests outside Danish mosques since the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]].<ref name="independent1">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightwing-protestors-target-harrow-mosque-1785797.html |title=Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest - Home News, UK |publisher=The Independent |date= 2009-09-11|accessdate=2009-09-12 | location=London | first=Jerome | last=Taylor}}</ref> The group has 2,300 supporters on its Facebook page.<ref name="independent1"/> Social networking sites have been used to plan protests.<ref name="independent1"/>
Stop the of Europe was inspired by a Danish group of the same name have held protests outside Danish mosques since the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]].<ref name="independent1">{{cite news|url=://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightwing-protestors-target-harrow-mosque-1785797.html |title=Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest |=The Independent |date= 2009-09-11|=2009-09-12 | location=London | first=Jerome | last=Taylor}}</ref> The group has , supporters on its Facebook page.<ref name="independent1"/> Social networking sites have been used to plan protests.<ref name="independent1"/>

Affiliate organisations have been created in European countries including Denmark, Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden the United States of America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sioe.wordpress.com/ |title=SIOE Stop Islamisation Europe |publisher=.wordpress.com |date= 2009}}</ref>

==Leaders==
==Leaders==

[[Image:Anders Gravers Pedersen.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chairman of Stop Islamisation of Denmark Anders Gravers Pedersen (left) and spokesman of SIOE in United Kingdom Stephen Gash (right)]]
===Stephen Gash===
===Stephen Gash===
[[Image:Anders Gravers Pedersen.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Chairman of Stop Islamisation of Denmark Anders Gravers Pedersen (left) and spokesman of SIOE in Stephen Gash (right)]]
Stephen Gash (born 1953) stood in the [[Sedgefield by-election, 2007]](triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Tony Blair) for the [[English Democrats Party]]. Gash gained 177 votes.<ref>http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield07.html</ref> According to his election literature the main themes of his campaign were support for an [[English Parliament]], resolving the [[West Lothian question]] and immigration control.<ref>http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield/edp.html</ref> Gash has also contested local elections for [[City of Carlisle|Carlisle City Council]].<ref>http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield/edp.html</ref> He has controversially used the [[Ottoman invasion of Serbia in 1371]] as a justification for the actions of [[Radovan Karadzic]], indicted for involvement in the [[Srebrenica Massacre]] in 1995.<ref>http://sioe.wordpress.com/2008/07/30/the-extraordinary-rendition-of-radavan-karadic/</ref>

Stephen Gash (born 1953) is the spokesman of SIOE in the UK, and stood in the [[2007 Sedgefield by-election]] (triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Tony Blair) for the [[English Democrats Party]]. Gash gained 177 votes (this represented 0.6% of the votes cast at the election) .<ref>{{cite web |url=http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield07.html |title=Sedgefield 2007 |publisher=By-elections.co.uk |date=2007-07-19 |access-date=2010-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821060504/http://www.by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield07.html |archive-date=21 August 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref> According to his election literature the main themes of his campaign were support for an [[English Parliament]], resolving the [[West Lothian question]] and immigration control.<ref name="by-elections1">{{cite web |url=http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield/edp.html |title=English Democrats |publisher=By-elections.co.uk |date=2007-07-19 |access-date=2010-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314034640/http://by-elections.co.uk/sedgefield/edp.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Gash has also contested local elections for [[Carlisle City Council]].<ref name="by-elections1"/>


===Anders Gravers Pedersen===
===Anders Gravers Pedersen===
{{Link-interwiki| en=Anders Gravers Pedersen | en_text=Anders Gravers Pedersen | lang=da| lang_title=Anders Gravers Pedersen}} was born in Denmark and lives in the small town of [[Storvorde]].<ref>[http://whois.domaintools.com/siad.dk]</ref> He contested municipal elections in [[Aalborg]] in 2005 and gained 383 votes and the group {{Link-interwiki| en=Stop the Islamisation of Denmark| en_text=Stop the Islamisation of Denmark| lang=da| lang_title=Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark}} received a total of 1172 votes. This represented less than 1% of the votes cast in the election.<ref>http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://www.redox.dk/spip.php%3Farticle30&ei=YDiuStnYDJS7jAem46TwBw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=9&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DStop%2BIslamiseringen%2Baf%2BDanmark%2B1172%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26hs%3DhCB%26sa%3DG</ref> At the [[Danish parliamentary election, 2007|2007 Danish Parliamentary Election]] Pedersen stood in [[Jutland]] and gained 73 votes.<ref>http://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://www.berlingske.dk/article/20071114/valg/71114201/undefined&ei=NzmuSrvxN6KQjAfG7uDYBw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=8&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Anders%2BGravers%2BPedersen%2522%2B%2B73%2Bstemmer%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26sa%3DG</ref>
Anders Gravers Pedersen was born in Denmark and lives in the small town of [[Storvorde]].<ref>http://whois.domaintools.com/siad.dk</ref> He contested municipal elections in [[Aalborg]] in 2005 and gained 383 votes and the group Stop the Islamisation of Denmark received a total of votes. This represented less than 1% of the votes cast in the election.<ref>://translate.google./translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://www.redox.dk/spip.php%3Farticle30&ei=YDiuStnYDJS7jAem46TwBw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=9&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DStop%2BIslamiseringen%2Baf%2BDanmark%2B1172%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26channel%3Ds%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26hs%3DhCB%26sa%3DG</ref> At the [[2007 Danish ]] Pedersen stood in [[Jutland]] and 73 votes.<ref>://translate.google./translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://www.berlingske.dk/article/20071114/valg/71114201/undefined&ei=NzmuSrvxN6KQjAfG7uDYBw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=8&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522Anders%2BGravers%2BPedersen%2522%2B%2B73%2Bstemmer%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-GB:official%26sa%3DG</ref>


==England==
==England==

===Central London===
===Central London===
In October 2007 the group staged a demonstration in Central London. It was reported that only 15 people attended the demonstration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/384430.html |title=UK Indymedia - 15 Lonely Fascists Protest in Central London |publisher=Indymedia.org.uk |date=2007-10-26 |accessdate=2009-09-14}}</ref>
In October 2007 the group staged a demonstration in London.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/384430.html |title= 15 Lonely Fascists Protest in Central London |publisher=Indymedia|date=2007-10-26 |=2009-09-14}}</ref>


===Harrow protests===
===Harrow ===
On 11 September 2009 SIOE staged a demonstration in [[Harrow, London|Harrow]] which generated national and international media attention. The purpose of the demonstration was to campaign against the building of a five storey [[mosque]], [[Harrow Central Mosque]], which is under construction.<ref name="Times">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6831609.ece|title=Street fights erupt as Muslims try to defend North London mosque|publisher=Times Online |date= 2009-09-12|accessdate=2009-09-12 | first=Fiona | last=Hamilton}}</ref> The group had pledged to hold a peaceful protest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itn.co.uk/0cb3f2b117d03509e2a866153cbcea40.html |title=Arrests at anti-Islam demo |publisher=Itn.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref> According to the [[London Daily News]]; "Local residents in Harrow have been consistently against the creation of this mosque",<ref name="ldn"></ref> the paper reported that the "Anti-Islamic groups organised peaceful protests outside of the new "super-mosque" which has a minaret over 300ft high, only to be confronted by masked Muslims".<ref name="ldn">{{cite web|url=http://www.thelondondailynews.com/islamic-groups-riot-with-police-harrow-p-3297.html|title=Islamic groups riot with police in Harrow|publisher=[[London Daily News]]|date=2009-08-11 |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref> [[Unite Against Fascism]] was present to oppose the demo, as well as Muslims who claimed to be there to "defend the mosque".<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/12/2683928.htm?section=justin |title=Rally turns violent at London mosque - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |publisher=Abc.net.au |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=(UKPA) &ndash; 22 hours ago |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jhP9_bEB9K9KD98oohfCA_DdWy-A |title=The Press Association: 10 arrests at mosque demonstration |publisher=Google.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/sep/11/rightwing-anti-fascist-protesters-riot |title=Rightwing and anti-fascist protesters riot in London &#124; World news &#124; guardian.co.uk |publisher=Guardian |date= 2009-09-11|accessdate=2009-09-12 | first=Aidan | last=Jones}}</ref> In all over 1000 people gathered outside the [[mosque]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
On 11 September 2009 SIOE a demonstration in [[Harrow, London|Harrow]] which generated national and international media attention. The purpose of the demonstration was to campaign against the building of a fivestorey [[mosque]], [[Harrow Central Mosque]], which under construction.<ref name="Times">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article6831609.ece|title=Street fights erupt as Muslims try to defend North London mosque|= |date= 2009-09-12|=2009-09-12 | first=Fiona | last=Hamilton}}</ref> The group had pledged to hold a peaceful protest the a .<ref name="">{{cite web|=|title= Harrow / |url=http://www.../news//= |= |date= 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://../ |title= at |publisher= |date=2009-09-12 |url=://../////.co.uk |-= }}</ref>


In response to the protest, several Jewish community leaders condemned the group, after SIOE openly appealed to the Jewish community in an effort to encourage 1,000 Jews to carry the Israeli flag and support the protest. Rabbis Kathleen Middleton, Frank Smith, Aaron Goldstein, Hillel Robles and Mike Hilton sent a letter supporting the Harrow Mosque, saying SIOE use "outrageous lies" to try to divide Harrow's community, adding "As leaders of the Jewish community in Harrow, we are writing to express our support for our Muslim friends and neighbours, especially those at Harrow Central Mosque, who are under attack from those whose only purpose is to spread hatred and fear."<ref>{{cite web|last=Kirk|first=Tristan|title=Jewish community hits out at 'divisive' anti-Muslim protesters|url=http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/4781721.Harrow_Jews_stand_up_in_support_of_mosque/?ref=mr|work=Harrow Times|access-date=25 June 2011|date=7 December 2009}}</ref> The protests were also condemned by Councillor [[Susan Hall]] and Tory councillors Anjana Patel and Jeremy Zeid (who are Hindu and Jewish respectively),<ref name="Royston 2009"/> by ''[[The Jewish Chronicle]]'' newspaper, and the [[Community Security Trust]] (CST), which monitors discrimination on behalf of the Jewish community in the UK. The CST asserted that SIOE "...provides the fuel for terrorism. British Jews should have no part of it."<ref name="Elgot 2009">{{cite web|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|title=CST warns Jews against joining anti-Muslim demo|url=http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/22478/cst-warns-jews-against-joining-anti-muslim-demo|access-date=26 June 2011|date=30 November 2009}}</ref> [[Unite Against Fascism]] was present to oppose the demo, as well as Muslims there to defend the mosque.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/8251598.stm |title=Ten arrested over mosque protest |work=BBC News |date= 2009-09-11|access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/09/12/2683928.htm?section=justin |title=Rally turns violent at London mosque |newspaper=ABC News |date=11 September 2009 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=2009-09-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=(UKPA) – 22 hours ago |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jhP9_bEB9K9KD98oohfCA_DdWy-A |title=The Press Association: 10 arrests at mosque demonstration |access-date=2009-09-12}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/sep/11/rightwing-anti-fascist-protesters-riot |title=Rightwing and anti-fascist protesters riot in London |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 2009-09-11|access-date=2009-09-12 | first=Aidan | last=Jones}}</ref> In all, over 1,000 people gathered outside the [[mosque]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Counterdemonstrators clashed with the police, throwing bricks, bottles and firecrackers.<ref name="autogenerated2"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/4660748.Date_set_for_second_anti_Harrow_mosque_protest/ |title=Anti-Islam group wants to protest again in Harrow (From Harrow Times) |publisher=Harrowtimes.co.uk |date=2009-10-02 |access-date=2010-09-15}}</ref> Ten arrests were made during the protests, including the organiser of the protest Stephen Gash.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
The date of the protest coincided with the anniversary of the [[September 11 attacks]] and was intended to mark the anniversary of the attacks.<ref>{{cite web|author=(AFP) &ndash; 1 day ago |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hwJ-_XW2fVOdOI-InLrN0h6L-QBg |title=AFP: Protestors vow peaceful anti-Islam demo |publisher=Google.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-13}}</ref> Counter demonstrators clashed with the police, throwing bricks, bottles and firecrackers.<ref>http://www.harrowtimes.co.uk/news/4660748.Date_set_for_second_anti_Harrow_mosque_protest/</ref><ref name="autogenerated2"/> Ten arrests were made during the protests, including the organiser of the protest Stephen Gash.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>


==Denmark==
==Denmark==
Stop Islamisation of Denmark
[[Image:Police demonstration sioe.jpg|thumb|right|A demonstration staged by Stop of Islamification of Europe being policed in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]].]]
[[Image:Police demonstration sioe.jpg|thumb|right|A demonstration staged by Stop Islamification of Europe being policed in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]].]]
'''Stop the Islamification of Europe''' was originally a Danish anti-Islamist group which originated out of the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightwing-protestors-target-harrow-mosque-1785797.html |title=Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest - Home News, UK |publisher=The Independent |date= 2009-09-11|accessdate=2009-09-14 | location=London | first=Jerome | last=Taylor}}</ref> The group was founded in 2007 by Anders Gravers Pedersen, the leader of a small Danish party called the [[Stop the Islamisation of Denmark]] ({{Lang-da|Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sioe.wordpress.com/about/ |title=About SIOE « SIOE Stop Islamisation Of Europe |publisher=Sioe.wordpress.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-14}}</ref> On September 11th 2007 the group staged a demonstration in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]].


was originally a Danish anti-Islamist group which originated out of the [[Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/rightwing-protestors-target-harrow-mosque-1785797.html |title=Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest|=The Independent |date= 2009-09-11|=2009-09-14 | location=London | first=Jerome | last=Taylor}}</ref> The group was founded in 2007 by Anders Gravers Pedersen, the leader of a small Danish party called the Stop the Islamisation of Denmark ({{Lang-da|Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark}}).<ref =/> On September 2007 the group staged a demonstration in [[Brussels]], [[Belgium]].
Affiliate organisations have been created in 10 European countries including Denmark, Russia, Finland, France, Germany, [[Stop the Islamisation of Norway|Norway]], Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United States of America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sioe.wordpress.com/ |title=SIOE Stop Islamisation Of Europe |publisher=Sioe.wordpress.com |date= |accessdate=2009-09-14}}</ref>


==See also==
====
Stop Islamisation of Norway
* [[Criticism of multiculturalism]]
* [[Criticism of Islamism]]
* [[Criticism of Islam]]
* ''[[MANIFESTO: Together facing the new totalitarianism]]''
* ''[[Ni Putes Ni Soumises|Neither Whores Nor Submissives]]''
* [[Nativism (politics)|Nativism]]


SIOE established a branch in Norway in 2008, from a group that had originally been formed in 2000. The Norwegian branch, SIAN, however broke its ties to SIOE in 2012.
===Islam in Europe===
* [[Eurabia]]
* [[Islam in Europe]]
* [[Islam in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Islam in Denmark]] re: Danish wing


==Germany==
===Islamism in Europe===
There has been a branch of SIOE in Germany that has been led by [[Michael Stürzenberger]].<ref name="Hope not hate">{{cite web|url=https://hopenothate.org.uk/2018/01/11/what-is-counter-jihadism/|title=International counter-jihad organisations|date=11 January 2018|work=Hope not hate}}</ref> [[Udo Ulfkotte]]'s former Pax Europa organisation was part of SIOE in the mid-late 2000s.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/files/192414854/Aked_Jones_Miller_Counterjihad_report_2019.pdf|last1=Aked|first1=H.|last2=Jones|first2=M.|last3=Miller|first3=D.|year=2019|title=Islamophobia in Europe: How governments are enabling the far-right 'counter-jihad' movement|journal=Public Interest Investigations|publisher=University of Bristol|page=36}}</ref>
* [[Islamism in London]]
* [[Islamist demonstration outside Danish Embassy in London in 2006]]
* ''[[The Islamist]]''
* ''[[Undercover Mosque]]''
* ''[[Londonistan: How Britain is Creating a Terror State Within]]''


==Poland==
===Similar groups===
A branch SIOE was established in 2007 in Poland.<ref name="urlThe Extreme Right’s Relationship with Islam and Islamism in East-Central Europe: From Allies to Enemies - Miroslav Mareš, 2014">{{cite journal |title=The Extreme Right's Relationship with Islam and Islamism in East-Central Europe: From Allies to Enemies - Miroslav Mareš, 2014 |doi=10.1177/0888325413502073 |s2cid=144155708 }}</ref>
* [[English Defence League]]


==Bulgaria==
====Affiliate organizations====
There was a branch of SIOE in Bulgaria that was formerly led by [[Pavel Chernev]].<ref name="Hope not hate"/>
* [[Stop the Islamisation of Denmark]]

* [[Stop the Islamisation of Norway]]
==Criticism==
*[http://sioaonline.com/ Stop the Islamization of America]
In September 2009, [[John Denham (politician)|John Denham]], [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]'s [[Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government|Communities Secretary]], criticised the group and stated that it was "trying to provoke violence on Britain's streets" and called it "right-wing".<ref name="autogenerated1"/> [[Unite Against Fascism]] have opposed the group.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2"/> The [[British National Party]] has consistently denied any links with SIOE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bnp.org.uk/tag/sioe/ |title=UAF Violent Thugs Attack Police in Pro-Islamification Riot |publisher=British National Party |access-date=2009-09-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929002240/http://bnp.org.uk/tag/sioe/ |archive-date=29 September 2009 }}</ref>
*[http://sioeru.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Russia]

*[http://sioeengland.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of England]
==See also==
*[http://stopislamisationdesesprits.blogspot.com/ Stop the Islamization of France]
*[http://sioede.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Germany]
* Stop Islamization of ]
*[http://sioesverige.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Sweden]
* Stop Islamization of ]
* [[English Defence League]]
*[http://sioenorge.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Norway]
* [[]]
*[http://sioepolska.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Poland]
*[http://antikafirphobia.wordpress.com/ Stop the Islamization of Romania]


==References==
==References==
Line 83: Line 78:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://sioe.wordpress.com/ Official web site]
*[http://.wordpress.com/ Official web site]
{{UK far right}}
{{UK far right}}

[[Category:Anti-Islam activists]]
[[Category:Far right politics in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Multiculturalism]]
[[Category:Criticism of Islam]]
[[Category:2008 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2008 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Islam in Europe]]
[[Islam in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2008]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2008]]
[[Category:]]

[[da:Stop Islamisation Of Europe]]
[[it:Stop Islamisation Of Europe]]

Latest revision as of 02:46, 17 July 2024

Stop Islamisation of Europe
AbbreviationSIOE
Formation2007
HeadquartersUnited Kingdom
WebsiteStop Islamisation of Europe

Stop Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) is a pan-European counter-jihad[1] organisation with the stated goal of "preventing Islam from becoming a dominant political force in Europe".[2] It is a political interest group which has been active in Denmark and has conducted anti-Islamic protests in the United Kingdom.[3] The group originated out of the joining of the Danish group Stop Islamisation of Denmark with English anti-Islam activists.[4]

The group says that its aim is to oppose Islamic extremism;[5] they have the motto "Racism is the lowest form of human stupidity, but Islamophobia is the height of common sense".[6]

Ideology

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The group describes itself as an alliance "with the single aim of preventing Islam becoming a dominant political force in Europe."[2] The organisation calls for the total boycott of Muslim countries.[7] The group advises boycotts of companies including Fisher-Price, Asda, Kentucky Fried Chicken and The Radisson Hotel chain because of their marketing of products to Muslims.[7]

History

[edit]

Stop the Islamisation of Europe was inspired by a Danish group of the same name who have held protests outside Danish mosques since the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.[8] The group has 6,600 supporters on its Facebook page.[8] Social networking sites have been used to plan protests.[8]

Affiliate organisations have been created in eleven European countries including Denmark, Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Sweden, as well as the United States of America.[9]

Leaders

[edit]

Stephen Gash

[edit]
Chairman of Stop Islamisation of Denmark Anders Gravers Pedersen (left) and spokesman of SIOE in the UK Stephen Gash (right)

Stephen Gash (born 1953) is the spokesman of SIOE in the UK, and stood in the 2007 Sedgefield by-election (triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Tony Blair) for the English Democrats Party. Gash gained 177 votes (this represented 0.6% of the votes cast at the election) .[10] According to his election literature the main themes of his campaign were support for an English Parliament, resolving the West Lothian question and immigration control.[11] Gash has also contested local elections for Carlisle City Council.[11]

Anders Gravers Pedersen

[edit]

Anders Gravers Pedersen was born in Denmark and lives in the small town of Storvorde.[12] He contested municipal elections in Aalborg in 2005 and gained 383 votes and the group Stop the Islamisation of Denmark received a total of 1,172 votes. This represented less than 1% of the votes cast in the election.[13] At the 2007 Danish parliamentary election, Pedersen stood in Jutland and won 73 votes.[14]

England

[edit]

Central London

[edit]

In October 2007, the group staged a demonstration in central London.[15]

Harrow Central Mosque protest

[edit]

On 11 September 2009, SIOE co-sponsored a demonstration with the English Defence League (EDL) in Harrow which generated national and international media attention. The purpose of the demonstration was to campaign against the building of a five-storey mosque, Harrow Central Mosque, which was under construction.[16] The group had pledged to hold a peaceful protest after the EDL cancelled a planned protest on 29 August 2009.[17][18]

In response to the protest, several Jewish community leaders condemned the group, after SIOE openly appealed to the Jewish community in an effort to encourage 1,000 Jews to carry the Israeli flag and support the protest. Rabbis Kathleen Middleton, Frank Smith, Aaron Goldstein, Hillel Robles and Mike Hilton sent a letter supporting the Harrow Mosque, saying SIOE use "outrageous lies" to try to divide Harrow's community, adding "As leaders of the Jewish community in Harrow, we are writing to express our support for our Muslim friends and neighbours, especially those at Harrow Central Mosque, who are under attack from those whose only purpose is to spread hatred and fear."[19] The protests were also condemned by Councillor Susan Hall and Tory councillors Anjana Patel and Jeremy Zeid (who are Hindu and Jewish respectively),[17] by The Jewish Chronicle newspaper, and the Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors discrimination on behalf of the Jewish community in the UK. The CST asserted that SIOE "...provides the fuel for terrorism. British Jews should have no part of it."[20] Unite Against Fascism was present to oppose the demo, as well as Muslims there to defend the mosque.[21][22][23][24] In all, over 1,000 people gathered outside the mosque.[5] Counterdemonstrators clashed with the police, throwing bricks, bottles and firecrackers.[21][25] Ten arrests were made during the protests, including the organiser of the protest Stephen Gash.[5]

Denmark

[edit]
A demonstration staged by Stop Islamification of Europe being policed in Brussels, Belgium.

SIOE was originally a Danish anti-Islamist group which originated out of the Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy.[26] The group was founded in 2007 by Anders Gravers Pedersen, the leader of a small Danish party called the Stop the Islamisation of Denmark (Danish: Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark).[4] On 11 September 2007, the group staged a demonstration in Brussels, Belgium.

Norway

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SIOE established a branch in Norway in 2008, from a group that had originally been formed in 2000. The Norwegian branch, SIAN, however broke its ties to SIOE in 2012.

Germany

[edit]

There has been a branch of SIOE in Germany that has been led by Michael Stürzenberger.[27] Udo Ulfkotte's former Pax Europa organisation was part of SIOE in the mid-late 2000s.[28]

Poland

[edit]

A branch SIOE was established in 2007 in Poland.[29]

Bulgaria

[edit]

There was a branch of SIOE in Bulgaria that was formerly led by Pavel Chernev.[27]

Criticism

[edit]

In September 2009, John Denham, Labour's Communities Secretary, criticised the group and stated that it was "trying to provoke violence on Britain's streets" and called it "right-wing".[5] Unite Against Fascism have opposed the group.[5][21] The British National Party has consistently denied any links with SIOE.[30]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Mulhall, Joe (2021). Drums In The Distance: Journeys Into the Global Far Right. Icon. ISBN 9781785787522.
  2. ^ a b "8 arrested at protest outside mosque in London". CNN. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  3. ^ "London police arrest 10 after anti-Islam protest turns ugly". Deutsche Welle. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  4. ^ a b "About SIOE". Stop Islamisation of Europe. Archived from the original on 19 May 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Denham condemns right-wing groups". BBC News. 12 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  6. ^ (AFP) – 1 day ago. "AFP: Riot police quell clashes at anti-Islam demo in London". Archived from the original on 18 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ a b "Boycotts". Stop Islamisation of Europe. 19 August 2010. Archived from the original on 25 August 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  8. ^ a b c Taylor, Jerome (11 September 2009). "Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest". The Independent. London. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  9. ^ "SIOE Stop Islamisation of Europe". Stop Islamisation of Europe. Archived from the original on 13 October 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  10. ^ "Sedgefield 2007". By-elections.co.uk. 19 July 2007. Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  11. ^ a b "English Democrats". By-elections.co.uk. 19 July 2007. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  12. ^ "Siad.dk - Si Ad - Stop Islamiseringen af Danmark". Whois.domaintools.com. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  13. ^ "Google Translate". Retrieved 15 September 2010.. Summer Editors: Radical Right hooligan mobilization without success.
  14. ^ "Google Translate". Retrieved 15 September 2010.. Right-wing independents defeated, It was less than 100 personal votes to two independents who are known from immigrant-hostile associations. By Elisabeth Arnsdorf Haslund, eah@berlingske.dk
  15. ^ "15 Lonely Fascists Protest in Central London". Indymedia. 26 October 2007. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  16. ^ Hamilton, Fiona (12 September 2009). "Street fights erupt as Muslims try to defend North London mosque". The Times. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  17. ^ a b Royston, Jack (21 August 2009). "Harrow Council backs Harrow Mosque over 9/11 protest". Harrow Times. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  18. ^ "Arrests at anti-Islam demo". ITN. Archived from the original on 14 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  19. ^ Kirk, Tristan (7 December 2009). "Jewish community hits out at 'divisive' anti-Muslim protesters". Harrow Times. Retrieved 25 June 2011.
  20. ^ Elgot, Jessica (30 November 2009). "CST warns Jews against joining anti-Muslim demo". Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  21. ^ a b c "Ten arrested over mosque protest". BBC News. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  22. ^ "Rally turns violent at London mosque". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 11 September 2009. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  23. ^ (UKPA) – 22 hours ago. "The Press Association: 10 arrests at mosque demonstration". Retrieved 12 September 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)[dead link]
  24. ^ Jones, Aidan (11 September 2009). "Rightwing and anti-fascist protesters riot in London". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 September 2009.
  25. ^ "Anti-Islam group wants to protest again in Harrow (From Harrow Times)". Harrowtimes.co.uk. 2 October 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
  26. ^ Taylor, Jerome (11 September 2009). "Riot police called in as demonstrators clash at anti-Muslim protest". The Independent. London. Retrieved 14 September 2009.
  27. ^ a b "International counter-jihad organisations". Hope not hate. 11 January 2018.
  28. ^ Aked, H.; Jones, M.; Miller, D. (2019). "Islamophobia in Europe: How governments are enabling the far-right 'counter-jihad' movement" (PDF). Public Interest Investigations. University of Bristol: 36.
  29. ^ "The Extreme Right's Relationship with Islam and Islamism in East-Central Europe: From Allies to Enemies - Miroslav Mareš, 2014". doi:10.1177/0888325413502073. S2CID 144155708. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  30. ^ "UAF Violent Thugs Attack Police in Pro-Islamification Riot". British National Party. Archived from the original on 29 September 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2009.
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