London Protests Expose Financial and Media Backing of Anti-Islam Extremists
Recent far-right protests in London have drawn public attention to the powerful financial and media networks that support anti-Islam extremist groups.
The demonstration, led by a long-standing figure in anti-immigrant and anti-Islam rhetoric, appeared to be a pre-planned event aimed at a show of force in the media rather than a spontaneous public movement, says an article by Shia Waves Persian.
The Metropolitan Police estimated the number of participants at approximately 110,000, a figure that organizers inflated to millions. This claim is undermined by comparisons to much larger demonstrations in London’s history, such as the 2003 anti-war march with nearly two million participants and a pro-Palestine protest in March 2024 that drew 450,000.
The protest was led by Tommy Robinson, who founded an extremist group in 2009 known for its racist slogans and violent actions. Participants were seen carrying British, American, and Israeli flags, while chanting anti-Palestine slogans. Some demonstrators wore Crusader costumes and hats promoting Donald Trump, highlighting the ideological and political nature of the gathering.
According to a report by Arabi 21, citing The Observer, a key financier behind Robinson is Robert Shilman, an American Jewish billionaire. The report noted that the financial and media influence of such backers has been crucial in elevating Robinson to his status as a symbol of the UK’s far-right.
These developments suggest that anti-Islam movements in Europe are not merely grassroots street actions but are increasingly reliant on organized financial and media networks to spread hate against Islam and Muslims.
