This just in from the Guardian website.


Muslim group switches rally venue
Press Association
Sunday July 25, 2004 1:38 PM


A Muslim group accused of spreading extremist views have cancelled plans to hold an unofficial rally in London.

Between 600 and 700 Al-Muhajiroun members were expected at the midday rally in Trafalgar Square, with the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone threatening to take legal action if the rally went ahead.

But organisers confirmed that they had decided to move the rally to an undisclosed venue in Essex because of safety fears.

The extreme right-wing British National Party, which is openly against the Islamic faith, had been expected to send activists to Trafalgar Square.

Anjem Choudary, the UK head of Al-Muhajiroun, said: "We could not guarantee the safety and security of the attendees.

"There were a number of people coming from all over the country ... it would be very difficult for us to control."

Mr Choudary claimed there were a number of organisations due to attend, including extremist Sikh and Hindu groups.

He added: "The police were planning a meticulous operation today. I am not aware how they were going to deal with the security.

"There has been lot of negative publicity and propaganda. I don't think we were being treated fairly."

Mr Choudary went on: "We could not guarantee the safety of people who were not aware of the rally in Trafalgar Square."

He said the group took seriously the threat posed by terror group al Qaida. Mr Choudary said: "It could be anywhere in Europe but the most likely target is Britain."
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