[21/March/2010]

London, March 21 (Saba) - An anti-fascist campaigner has been charged after the clashes that broke out between police and thousands of protesters in Bolton, England, on Saturday, according to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

More than 1,500 Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and 2,000 English Defence League (EDL) supporters gathered in Victoria Square yesterday. The EDL said it opposed "militant Islam" and Sharia law.

The UAF accused the EDL of being a far-right party UAF joint secretary Weyman Bennett was later charged with conspiracy to organise violent disorder, the (BBC) reported Sunday.

At least 74 people were arrested, police said. A number of people were injured during the demonstrations. After being charged and released, Bennett insisted he was grabbed by officers while protesting peacefully.

Earlier, assistant chief constable Garry Shewan said the number of arrests that were made was a clear indication that it was not a peaceful protest. He said officers had faced a lot of hostility and would take swift action when confronted with disorder.

Saba