UK braces for more far-right violence as riots planned in more than 30 locations

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - UK officials and police are bracing for more violent events and disorder across the country on Wednesday, with riots being planned by far-right groups in more than 30 locations.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he expects many of the far-right rioters convicted after the recent widespread violent disorder to be sentenced by the end of the week, as police prepare for 30 more gatherings planned throughout the day, particularly at 8 p.m. (1900GMT).

Starmer, who has repeatedly warned that those involved in violent disorder will face the full force of the law, also warned social media companies against acting irresponsibly by inciting violence and spreading false information.

However, the violent disorder in towns and cities across England has continued as dozens of new gatherings are expected to take place in various cities, including the capital London.

Cities like Oxford, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Sheffield, and Stoke are among the locations already announced by far-right users on various social media platforms for Wednesday's gathering.

Tamworth and Rotherham, where rioters targeted hotels housing asylum-seekers a few days ago, are also among the locations for Wednesday's riots.

Meanwhile, heads of mosques in West Midlands have warned against reactive violence as some communities plan to hold counter-protests to protect streets from rioters.

A similar message was also issued by Haniya Adam of Green Lane masjid in Birmingham in the light of messages and threats on social media.

"Our messaging was very clear: allow the police to do their work. We don’t use the language of violence. Our first response is to pray, to call on a higher being and ask for protection for everyone in the country," he said Tuesday.

Qari Asim, the chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board also said they have issued guidance that "none should take the law into their own hands."

"It’s the job of the police and other authorities to protect individuals and mosques, and we should support them rather than become a hindrance," said Asim.

Anas Altikriti, the CEO and founder of the Cordoba Foundation, also called for not to cause harm or damage.

"Let’s not give them the pleasure. Let’s make absolutely sure that we act according to our faith, according to our religion," he noted, referring to those who "would love nothing more than to see Muslims act violently and break the law."

Altikriti also called on Muslims to report every single crime, incident, and attack, whether verbal or physical.

The UK has been in turmoil for days, with violent far-right rioters spewing racist and Islamophobic vitriol targeting Muslims, minority groups, and migrants.

The riots were fueled by false claims spread online that the suspect arrested for the July 29 fatal stabbing of three children in Southport was a Muslim asylum seeker.

The attacker has since been identified by authorities as Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old teenager born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents, but that has done little to rein in the far-right mobs.