Nick Clegg: Faith Schools Should Teach Children That Homosexuality Is ‘Normal’
THE TELEGRAPH: Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, has said that children attending faith schools should be taught that homosexuality is "normal and harmless".

In a pitch for the “pink vote,” he called on all the parties to prove that they supported full equality for homosexuals, and accused David Cameron, the Conservative leader, of being untrustworthy on the issue.

The Liberal Democrats support measures forcing teachers, including those working in faith schools, to implement policies to combat homophobic bullying, with lessons teaching that same-sex relationships are “normal”.

Mr Clegg said: “Crucially faith schools should have a requirement to have an anti-homophobic bullying policy at their school.”

In an interview with Attitude magazine, the Liberal Democrat leader also called for lesbians and homosexual men who have undergone a civil partnership ceremony to be given the formal and symbolic status of a “married” couple. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Politikerwitwe Jehan Sadat: «Fanatiker haben keine Religion»
WELTWOCHE: Jehan Sadat vertritt unermüdlich das politische Erbe ihres Mannes, des ermordeten Präsidenten Anwar Sadat. Sie setzt sich für Frieden und Versöhnung im Nahen Osten ein. Und betet dafür, dass ihr Traum noch zu ihren Lebzeiten Realität wird. Von Pierre Heumann

Termin bei Madame Jehan Sadat, der Witwe des erschossenen ägyptischen Präsidenten. Sie gilt immer noch als First Lady Ägyptens. Ein Gemälde von Anwar Sadat dominiert die geräumige Eingangshalle, das ihn in stolzer Generalstracht und mit glitzernden Medaillen zeigt. Die zehn Minuten bis zum Eintreffen von Madame nutzt General Mahmoud Seoud, um die Empfangsräume der dreistöckigen Präsidentenvilla in Kairo zu zeigen. Seoud, der schon für Anwar Sadat arbeitete, ist jetzt Bodyguard von Madame, amtet aber gleichzeitig als ihr Sekretär. «Der Schreibtisch, an dem der Präsident über Krieg und Frieden entschied, steht noch an seinem Platz, ebenso die Sitzgruppen, die Anrichte, die Porzellanvasen und die Uhr», sagt Seoud. Neu hinzugekommen seien lediglich Fotos von Enkeln. Dann lässt er von einem Diener arabischen Kaffee servieren. Pünktlich um elf Uhr betritt Madame den Raum, begleitet von einer der zehn weissen Perserkatzen, die den Besucher beschnuppern. Seoud zieht sich diskret zurück. >>> Von Pierre Heumann | Dienstag, 22. Dezember 2009

Kommentar: Europa will einfach nicht klüger werden
WELT ONLINE: Die EU wächst und wächst, aber stärker wird sie nicht. Wenig könnte das deutlicher machen als die beiden neuen Funktionsträger der Union. Herman Van Rompuy und Baronin Ashton of Upholland gehören dem Typus Zellophan-Politiker an: Ernst und gewissenhaft, aber so unscheinbar, dass man sie kaum wahrnimmt.

In dem Musical „Chicago“ gibt es eine wahrlich triste Figur – den Mann von Roxy Hart, der Hauptdarstellerin. Mr. Hart ist ein total unscheinbarer Mensch, lieb bis zur Selbstverleugnung, aber niemand nimmt irgendwie Notiz von ihm. In einer ergreifend anrührend gesungenen Nummer nennt er sich daher „Mr. Cellophane“, Mister Zellophan. Man sieht förmlich durch mich hindurch, klagt er, als gebe es mich nicht, man geht achtlos an mir vorbei wie an einem Phantom.

Dieses Bild fällt einem ein, wenn man an die beiden neuen Funktionsträger der EU denkt, den Präsidenten sowie die Hohe Repräsentantin für Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik. Herman Van Rompuy und Baronin Ashton of Upholland werden pflichtbewusst an ihre Arbeit gehen, wie Catherine Ashton bei ihrer Anhörung im Brüsseler Parlament gestern glaubhaft bekannte. Dem europäischen Demos freilich wird ihre Tätigkeit weitgehend schleierhaft bleiben, weil sie sich im Herzen einer Bürokratie abspielt, die mit jedem neuen EU-Vertrag undurchsichtiger und entrückter geworden ist.

Fragt man die Briten, ob sie schon einmal von Lady Ashton – und sie war eine echte, mit Sitz im Oberhaus – gehört hätten, wird man in 99 von 100 Fällen zur Antwort bekommen: Wie bitte – Catherine who? Lady Zellophan könnte sich durch die Menge bewegen, und niemand würde von ihr Notiz nehmen. Die Hoffnung, ihre Kandidatur könnte die Briten wenigstens mit ein wenig Stolz erfüllen und das Land damit etwas enger an die EU gebunden haben, ist weit gefehlt. >>> Von Thomas Kielinger | Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010

Islam: «Wir waren zu naiv»
WELTWOCHE: Der Genfer Theologe Shafique Keshavjee* denkt über die Grenzen des interreligiösen Dialogs nach. Von Stéphane Zindel

Kurz nach Annahme der Minarett-Initiative haben Sie ein Dokument publiziert, in dem Sie die Muslime in der Schweiz auffordern, klarer Position zu beziehen gegenüber problematischen Stellen im Koran und in anderen Referenztexten des Islam. In diesem Dokument geht es unter anderem um die Praxis der Steinigung, die Stellung der Frau und die Rechtfertigung der Gewalt. Was bewog Sie dazu?

Ich war zwar gegen die Minarett-Initiative. Aber ich bin der Auffassung, dass man die Botschaft des Volks ernst nehmen sollte. Insbesondere die muslimische Gemeinschaft sollte das. Das Abstimmungsergebnis ist keine Abwehrreaktion gegenüber den Muslimen im Allgemeinen. Im Islam gibt es aber eine kleine und einflussreiche Minderheit, deren Werte nicht mit unseren in Einklang zu bringen sind. Die Bevölkerung erwartet von den Verantwortlichen der islamischen Zentren, dass sie sich davon klarer abgrenzen.

War der Westen lange zu tolerant gegenüber dem Islam?

Der interreligiöse Dialog liegt mir am Herzen. Ich habe auch viel dafür getan in den letzten Jahren. Jetzt stösst er aber an gewisse Grenzen. Wir waren zu naiv. Der Dialog mit dem Islam darf sich nicht mehr darin erschöpfen, Floskeln in höflichem Ton auszutauschen, die sich auf harmlose Stellen des Korans beziehen. Gut gemeint genügt nicht mehr. Wir müssen über die konkreten Auswirkungen reden und die Realität im Auge haben.

Machen Sie ein Beispiel.

Mohammed ruft die Muslime auf, jene, die sich zu einer anderen Religion bekennen, zu töten. Das ist nicht bloss Theorie. Leute werden wirklich getötet in Ländern, wo dieses Prinzip gilt. Die Imame im Westen versichern, dass dieses Prinzip hier nicht angewendet wird. Aber das genügt nicht. Sie müssten sich auch zum Inhalt äussern und aufzeigen, wie man diese Aussage konstruktiv interpretieren könnte.

Haben Sie ein Beispiel, das in der Schweiz zu konkreten Problemen führt?

Nach muslimischem Recht müssen sich Nichtmuslime zum Islam bekennen, wenn sie eine Muslimin heiraten wollen. In solchen Ehen wird auch grosser Druck auf die Kinder ausgeübt, die ebenfalls zum Islam übertreten sollen. Das führt zu einer schleichenden Islamisierung und ist nicht akzeptabel. >>> Von Stéphane Zindel | Mittwoch, 06. Januar 2010

* Shafique Keshavjee ist Theologieprofessor an den Universitäten von Genf und Lausanne und protestantischer Pfarrer. Er stammt aus Indien, wurde aber in Kenia geboren. Ein Teil seiner Familie gehört der islamisch-schiitischen Glaubensgemeinschaft an. Zwei seiner Bücher sind auf Deutsch erschienen: «Der König, der Weise und der Narr: Der grosse Wettstreit der Religionen», Goldmann, und «Unterwegs zu einer Sinfonie der Kirchen», Lembeck.

Nicolas Sarkozy est grand-père d'un petit garçon
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: FRANCE | Le fils cadet du président de la République, Jean Sarkozy, et son épouse Jessica sont devenus mercredi matin les parents d'un petit garçon, selon une source proche de la présidence.

Le prénom du petit garçon n'a pas été dévoilé.

Jessica Sebaoun-Darty, héritière du géant de l'éléctroménager, et Jean Sarkozy, 23 ans, se sont mariés le 10 septembre 2008 à la mairie de Neuilly-sur-Seine. Jean Sarkozy, élu conseiller général des Hauts-de-Seine en mars 2008, est le deuxième fils de Nicolas Sarkozy et de sa première épouse Marie-Dominique Culioli. >>> AP | Mercredi 13 Janvier 2010

Eine entstellte Banknote. Bild: NZZ Online
Banknoten als Flugblätter: Parolen der Opposition auf iranischen Rial-Scheinen
NZZ ONLINE: Trotz Zensur und Störmanövern des Regimes findet die iranische Opposition neue Wege, um ihre Botschaften unters Volk zu bringen. Ausgerechnet auf Banknoten wird zu neuen Demonstrationen am 11. Februar aufgerufen.

Wenn es immer gefährlicher wird, zu Demonstrationen auf die Strasse zu gehen, suchen Oppositionelle im Iran andere Wege, ihrem Unmut Luft zu machen: Sie versehen Geldscheine mit Parolen wie «Tod dem Diktator», «Nieder mit Khamenei» oder dem Siegeszeichen V. Ein 2000-Rial-Schein (knapp 20 Eurocent) trägt das V-Zeichen und die Botschaft «Wir sind unzählige». Die Behörden haben ihre liebe Mühe, diese Protest-Noten aus dem Verkehr zu ziehen. >>> ddp | Mittwoch, 13. Januar 2010

France: Vous êtes Français, prouvez-le!
LE TEMPS: Les Français nés à l’étranger ou dont l’un des parents est né ailleurs sont de plus en plus appelés à prouver leur nationalité

Il y a Robert, né à Tarascon-sur- Ariège mais dont les parents ont vu le jour en Espagne (lire ci-contre); Michka, malheureux descendant de grands-mères ayant accouché à l’étranger; Emmanuelle, éclose à Berne d’une mère française ou bien encore Antoine, adopté dans l’Hexagone après deux années passées au Gabon. Tous se croyaient Français depuis – presque – toujours. Paris les somme aujourd’hui de le prouver.

Fameux «certificat»

Le scénario est chaque fois identique. Un simple renouvellement de pièce d’identité se transforme en imbroglio administratif. Montrer son ancien passeport ne suffit plus à en obtenir un nouveau. Selon le code de nationalité, un Français né à l’étranger, ou dont l’un des parents est né ailleurs, doit justifier de son appartenance à la Nation. Seule preuve recevable: le «certificat de nationalité» délivré par le tribunal d’instance. La loi, établie pour l’essentiel en 1945, est loin d’être nouvelle, mais elle est désormais appliquée.

Des milliers de Français se retrouvent ainsi sans papiers. «Obtenir ce certificat relève parfois d’un travail de titan. Il faut remonter sur des générations et les documents peuvent avoir disparu, souligne Cécile Madeline, avocate spécialisée. C’est le cas pour l’Algérie, où nombre d’habitants ont été naturalisés au mérite au XIXe siècle. Beaucoup de mairies, en Kabylie notamment, ont brûlé pendant la guerre d’indépendance puis la guerre civile. Nous savons que certaines personnes sont Françaises, mais qu’elles n’arriveront pas à le prouver!» >>> Caroline Stevan | Mardi 12 Janvier 2010

Le profiling débarque dans les aéroports français
LE FIGARO: Les passagers vont être scrutés à la loupe. Au moindre signe de nervosité, ils seront soumis à des questions pièges des agents de sûreté.

Profiling ou profilage : «Technique policière qui consiste à dresser le profil psychologique d'un criminel récidiviste inconnu », dit Le Petit Robert. Le mot est américain. La méthode fait fureur en Israël. Adaptée à la lutte antiterroriste, elle intéresse au plus haut point les autorités en France depuis l'attentat manqué contre le vol 253, le 25 décembre dernier. Le secrétaire d'État aux Transports annonce ainsi que cette nouvelle façon de travailler va s'étendre à l'ensemble des contrôles français, nécessitant d' «améliorer les efforts de formation de toutes les équipes» . Et Dominique Bussereau d'ajouter : «Il y a certainement une meilleure analyse comportementale des gens à avoir». Comme si un kamikaze pouvait se détecter à l'œil nu. >>> Jean-Marc Leclerc | Mardi 12 Janvier 2010

LE FIGARO: Des contrôles toujours plus draconiens dans les aéroports >>> Fabrice Amedeo | Mercredi 13 Janvier 2010

This Meddlesome Woman: Harriet Harman’s Direct Assault on the Roman Catholic Church
THE TELEGRAPH: The Roman Catholic ban on women entering the priesthood will become illegal under Harriet Harman's controversial Equality Bill, according to Christian charity, CARE.

A new report by the leading charity – backed by a legal opinion from a leading QC – says the Bill will make it impossible for all churches and faith-based charities to insist that their senior staff lead private lives in accordance with their religious beliefs.

CARE said that, under the Bill, which will be considered by the House of Lords on Monday, it would be illegal for a Christian charity to sack a senior manager for adultery or living an openly gay lifestyle.

The same rules would, it added, apply to Muslim and Jewish churches and charities.

However, the biggest potential showdown is likely to be between the government and Britain's 4.3 million Catholics over the church's tradition of an all-male, celibate priesthood.

Previous legislation in 2007, also backed by Ms Harman, the Commons Leader and equality minister, forced the closure of two Catholic adoption agencies for refusing to comply with new laws requiring them to place children with gay couples.

CARE's report – A Little Bit Against Discrimination? – warns that the proposals contained in the Bill are a serious threat to religious liberty in Britain.

John Bowers QC said in a legal opinion for CARE that the Bill could make it unlawful for a church to require a priest or minister to be male, celibate and unmarried, or not in a civil partnership. Catholic ban on women priests 'illegal under Harriet Harman equality bill' >>> Patrick Hennessy, Political editor | Sunday, January 10, 2010

Labour's Equality Bill Should Not Be Tolerated
THE TELEGRAPH: Telegraph View: ambiguities in the wording may penalise the Catholic Church and institutions linked to it

Toleration is one of the most fundamental values of a liberal society. It is also appears to be the one that some Labour ministers find hardest to understand. It requires accepting that other people are entitled to arrange their lives and institutions around their religious beliefs – even when those beliefs appear, to those who do not adhere to the religion in question, to be wrong-headed, or even discriminatory.

As we report today, there are serious concerns that Labour's new Equality Bill is incompatible with the value of toleration. According to one QC, it will make it illegal for a religion to insist on celibacy from some of its members, or to prevent women from becoming priests or holding other offices. There is enough ambiguity in the wording of the new law to make that intolerant result a real possibility. It would not be the first time that Labour's quest to achieve "fairness" has led to the imposition of prohibitions on religious organisations. A law passed in 2007 forced the closure of two Catholic adoption agencies for their refusal to place children with gay couples. >>> Telegraph View | Sunday, January 10, 2010

Muslim Prisoners 'Refuse to Take Part in Group Therapy as It's Against Religion'
THE TELEGRAPH: Muslim prisoners are refusing to take part in group therapy sessions saying it's against their religion to talk about their 'past crimes' in front of others.

Scores of Britain's 10,000 Muslim prisoners - one in eight of all inmates - are refusing to take part in Offending Behaviour Programmes (OBPs ), claiming it is 'forbidden' or 'Haraam'.

Haraam refers to anything that is prohibited by faith [Allah], and in Islamic culture criminals are barred from discussing their offences with others.

Previously, Muslim prisoners refused to take part in Sex Offender Treatment Programmes because it involved talking about offences against women, but now some are refusing to take part in all rehabilitation sessions where they have to 'open up' in front of other cons.

Among the courses some Muslims are declining to take part in are the Cognitive Self Change Programme (CSCP), just one of 13 OBPs on offer from the prison service,

The CSCP, which treats 7,000 prisoners each year, targets 'high risk violent offenders' and offers individual and group sessions to prisoners.

The course claims to: "Equip prisoners with skills to help them control their violence and avoid reconviction.

"It is aimed at offenders with a history of violent behaviour and is suitable for those whose violence is reactive and/or instrumental."

Other programmes on offer include Enhanced Thinking Skills, Cognitive Skills Booster Programme, Controlling Anger and Learning to Manage it and various motivational courses.

One Muslim prisoner, Abu Dira, a maximum security prisoner at HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire, said this week: "Muslims cannot speak about their past crimes in a group setting. >>> | Monday, January 11, 2010

Allergic to Clothes!
THE TELEGRAPH: The naked rambler, Stephen Gough, has been told he will spend the rest of his life behind bars if he continues refusing to wear clothes in public.

Stephen Gough on his naked ramble from Land's End to John O'Groats with his then girlfriend Melanie Roberts. Photograph: The Telegraph
The former Royal Marine, who became notorious for his naked hike from Land's End to John O'Groats in 2003, has spent much of the past seven years in prison for repeatedly appearing nude in public.

He was yesterday found guilty of breaching the peace when he walked naked from Perth prison in December after finishing a 12 month sentence for the same offence. Mr Gough was warned he will continue to be jailed every time he steps out of prison without any clothes on.

The 50-year-old, who conducted his own defence while appearing in court completely naked, turned down an offer to walk free yesterday on the condition that he got dressed.

Perth Sheriff Lindsay Foulis told Gough she would consider granting him bail to go home to his "warmer" house in Eastleigh, Hampshire, if he agreed to put some clothes on. The former lorry driver refused the offer and was remanded in custody. Naked rambler faces life in prison >>> Heidi Blake | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Matt Frei's Diary: Dangerous Minds
BBC: The Virginia Five, currently imprisoned in Pakistan, the Nigerian "underpants bomber" whose name everyone - including President Obama - is stumbling over; the Jordanian doctor who turned out to be a double agent with a suicide vest in a CIA compound in Afghanistan; what do they all have in common apart from a profound hatred of America and its allies?

They are all the products of relative prosperity and higher education. After all, Osama Bin Laden and his deputy also came from a privileged background.

None of the recent suspects are high school drop-outs or desperate refugees who have nurtured hatred of the West in the frayed lining of an empty stomach.

None have had to watch relatives die in stray American bomb attacks. They have all had a lot to lose and yet they were prepared to lose their own lives for a cause.

So, what makes the 23-year-old son of a prominent Nigerian banker pack his underpants with explosives in pursuit of martyrdom? >>> Matt Frei, BBC News, Washington | Thursday, January 07, 2010

'Decision to Blog Is Risky But Neccessary'
BBC: Wael Abbas is an Egyptian Journalist and a highly influential political blogger. His blog, Misr Digital (Egyptian Awareness), regularly covers political protests, corruption, and police brutality - subjects generally avoided by the mainstream media.

Egypt has the most developed political blogosphere in the Arab world but just how much truth is there in a blog?

Wael Abbas tells Zeinab Badawi that bloggers in Egypt are a vital, independent voice, constantly pushing the limits of freedom of speech. Watch BBC video >>> | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Turkey Demands Apology from Israel Over Envoy 'Slight'
BBC: Turkey has demanded that Israel apologise over what it called the "discourteous" way its ambassador was treated during a diplomatic meeting.

Israel summoned Turkey's ambassador to rebuke him over a TV series but ensured he was photographed on a lower chair.

Jonathan Head reports. Watch BBC video >>> | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

BBC: Turkey threatens diplomatic action over Israel 'snub': Turkey has said it will recall its ambassador unless a row over his treatment by Israel's deputy foreign minister is rapidly resolved. >>> | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

WELT ONLINE: Diplomatische Verstimmung – Türkischer Präsident stellt Israel ein Ultimatum: Die Spannungen zwischen Israel und der Türkei drohen zu eskalieren. Nachdem Vize-Außenminister Ajalon den türkischen Botschafter öffentlich gedemütigt hat, fordert Präsident Abdullah Gül eine Entschuldigung. Sonst will er die diplomatischen Beziehungen abbrechen. Ajalons bisherige Stellungsnahme sei unzureichend. >>> AFP/ks | Mittwoch, 13. Januar 2010

WELT ONLINE: Botschafter einbestellt – Israel rächt sich für hetzerische TV-Serie: Seit einiger Zeit versuchen Israels Handels- und Verteidigungsminister, die angeschlagenen Beziehungen zur Türkei wieder zu verbessern. Eine andere Straegie verfolgt Außenminister Avigdor Lieberman. Er bestellte den türkischen Botschafter ein – und ließ diesen nach Strich und Faden demütigen. >>> Von Michael Borgstede | Dienstag, 12. Januar 2010

TIMES ONLINE: Israel forced to apologise to Turkey over humiliation of its envoy >>> James Hider in Jerusalem | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Uganda President Museveni Wary of Anti-gay Bill
BBC: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has distanced himself from a bill proposing execution for some gay people.

He stressed that the MP who proposed the bill, who is a member of the ruling party, did so as an individual and was not following government policy.

Mr Museveni, who admitted coming under international pressure, said the bill was now a "foreign policy issue" and would be discussed by the cabinet.

The proposals have caused a storm of criticism across the world.

Sweden has threatened to cut aid and other countries have contacted Mr Museveni directly to put their objections. >>> | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

BBC: Uganda fear over gay death-penalty plans >>> | Tuesday, December 22, 2010

Thousands Feared Dead as Huge Earthquake Devastates Haiti
TIMES ONLINE: Thousands of people were feared dead after a powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 rocked the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti last night, toppling buildings and causing widespread damage and panic.

The United Nations headquarters was one of scores of buildings that were toppled, including the presidential palace, the World Bank, government buildings and a cathedral. Roads and bridges also lay in ruins after the largest earthquake in 200 years struck just 10 miles (16 km) from the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Communications were widely disrupted, making it impossible to get a clear picture of the damage as violent aftershocks shook the country, where many buildings are flimsy. Electricity was lost in some places.

A thick pall of dust lay over the city as panic stricken residents poured into the streets screaming, with buildings crumbling around them. As night fell, thousands squatted in sports grounds and on the streets, too terrified of aftershocks to return to their homes. >>> | Wednesday. January 13, 2010

US Cult of Greed Is Now a Global Environmental Threat
THE GUARDIAN: The average American consumes more than his or her weight in products each day, fuelling a global culture of excess that is emerging as the biggest threat to the planet, according to a report published today. In its annual report, Worldwatch Institute says the cult of consumption and greed could wipe out any gains from government action on climate change or a shift to a clean energy economy. >>> Suzanne Goldenberg US environment correspondent | Wednesday, January 13, 2009

A Relationship with God, My Foot!
THE INDEPENDENT: To some it is a symbol of female subjugation. But these women believe that their Islamic headwear is a versatile, liberating way of expressing their identities.

Jilbab. Niqab. Al Amira. Dupatta. Burqa. Chador. Even the language used to describe the various kinds of clothing worn by Muslim women can seem as complicated and muddied as the issue itself. Rarely has an item of cloth caused so much consternation, controversy and misunderstanding as with the Islamic headscarf or veil.

For those Muslims who literally wear their religion on their sleeves, hijab (from the Arabic for curtain or screen) can be many things. For some it is a cultural practice handed down through the generations, an unquestioned given that is simply adopted. For others the need to dress and behave modestly can define a person’s relationship with God, their religious devotion or even their politics. For others still hijab is a complicated journey, one with twists and turns where veils are briefly discarded on the ground or taken up with willing fervour.

“Muslim women wear hijab for many reasons including piety, identity and even as political statements,” says Tahmina Saleem, the co-founder of Inspire, a consultancy which helps Muslim women become vocal members of their communities. “Most do so willingly, some unwillingly”. The many faces behind the veil >>> Arifa Akbar and Jerome Taylor | Wednesday, January 13, 2010

24-hour Guard on Hate Cleric Anjem Choudary: Police 'Fury' Over Security Patrols
MAIL ONLINE: Hate preacher Anjem Choudary is being given round-the-clock police protection following his controversial threat to march through Wootton Basset, the Daily Mail can reveal.

Even though the extremist cleric has now called off plans to stage the protest, carrying empty coffins through the town where Britain honours its war dead, he still receives hourly security checks at his East London home.

Metropolitan police officers have been told to give his protection priority above other local policing jobs such as muggings, theft and foot patrols.

The protection was revealed after Home Secretary Alan Johnson yesterday banned Choudary's Islam4UK group, making it a criminal offence to be a member.

As Choudary held a press conference to react to the ban, patrol cars and unmarked vehicles were still instructed to drive past his empty £320,000 rented home - which is funded by council benefits.

Officers tasked with carrying out these patrols have privately expressed their fury at being diverted away from what they regard as 'proper policing'.

But the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism unit fears a far-Right group may be plotting an attack on the fanatic.

Their concerns intensified after a Facebook campaign against the march attracted the support of more than 250,000 Britons and led to threats against Choudary's life. >>> Emily Andrews, Rebecca Camber and Claire Ellicott | Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Vatican Accuses Italians of Racism After Southern Riots
THE TELEGRAPH: The Vatican's newspaper on Tuesday accused Italians of being racist in the wake of riots sparked by tensions between locals and African immigrants in southern Italy.

In an unusually forthright attack, the Holy See's official mouthpiece, L'Osservatore Romano, said the violence of local residents towards the migrant farm labourers had revealed a "mute and savage hatred towards another skin colour that we thought we had overcome".

More than 1,000 Africans had to be evacuated to safety from the town of Rosarno in the southern Calabria region at the weekend after they clashed with local residents.

The violence was sparked by a group of Italians shooting at some of the Africans with air rifles and pellet guns on Thursday. There was another, similar attack on Saturday.

Angry immigrants burned cars and shop windows. Locals retaliated by beating them with bars, trying to run them over and setting up barricades.

In an editorial entitled "Italians and Racism", L'Osservatore Romano said: "For once, the press is not exaggerating... We have never excelled in our sense of openness, we Italians, from the north to the south.

"The American example has been futile: Obama-mania has taken hold from politics to art, from style to language, but has not breached the gap in showing the value of bringing different races together," the paper said. >>> Nick Squires in Rome | Tuesday, January 12, 2010