The EDL held a ‘static’ planned demonstration in London at the weekend, despite a month-long ban imposed by British Home Secretary Theresa May in the wake of the August riots.

Around 1,000 EDL members gathered in Aldgate, East London, with 3,000 police officers deployed to cover the demonstration to "beat fascism", according to one demonstrator, Jamie Pitman.

Many who disagreed with the EDL protests joined in, holding placards with the faces of Anders Behring Breivik and EDL leader Tommy Robinson with the slogan “different faces, same hatred.”

With tensions running high, fights with police broke out and objects thrown at them. At least four people were arrested, however dozens more were put temporarily behind bars during an alleged brawl against counter-demonstrators at the EDL bus.

Norwegian Defence League (NDL) leader Mr Alte witnessed the protests, claiming he was stopped because he had a Norwegian flag on his sweatshirt. “I was called a terrorist and not allowed to demonstrate," he said to Dagbladet.

Norwegian and British Defence Leagues have been in focus over the summer following Anders Behring Breivik's terror attacks on July 22. The mass murderer sent his so-called manifesto to 250 British contacts, and Norwegian police have recently interviewed EDL blogger Paul Ray.

The EDL deny any contact with the killer, who murdered 77 people on Utøya Island and government headquarters in Oslo in the worst atrocity in Norway since WWII. Meanwhile, membership levels to Right-Wing extremist organisations in Norway are also on the increase.

When asked about Breivik, EDL leader Tommy Robinson said, "We share some of his opinions, and his fear, but not what he did in Norway 22 July. I do not think he is insane. I think that his approach was insane.”

“Breivik dared to come forward with his opinions, and was tough, in some regards. People need to understand that Breivik is not alone in these feelings."

Ronny Alte condemns Breivik's actions, however, stating, "I have never had contact with him. It is wrong that some people call me Breivik-friend just because I share some of his views.” 

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