Group of Islamist Protesters at Olympic Park Draw Attention of Scotland Yard
Heading into the Olympic Games, concerns arose over the possibility of large-scale protests as well as the security measures adopted in order to provide safety for the thousands of attending fans. There were no security breaches, but protesters did voice their concerns.
Local reports indicate that Islamist hardliner Anjem Choudary and his followers assembled near Stratford station, the entry point for visitors going into London's Olympic Stadium, to protest what he described has human rights violations of some of the participating countries.
Choudary claimed he was protesting human rights abuses perpetrated by China and the United States. U.K. Scotland Yard officials stated they were aware of the protesters, but explained that only about 20 or so protesters gathered, according to AP.
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Before the start of the Olympics, organizers did raise concerns over the security measures put in place before the games and also the possibility of large-scale protests, but there were no incidents concerning either.
Prior to the games, the British Ministry of Defense revealed that the government was installing missiles on roof tops of some apartment buildings in London in preparation of the Olympic Games.
"Whilst there is no reported threat to the London Olympics … the public expects that we put in place a range of measures aimed at ensuring the safety and security of this once-in-a-generation event," Defense Secretary Phillip Hammond said in a statement.
"Ground-based air defense systems will form just one part of a comprehensive, multi-layered air security plan which, I believe, will provide both reassurance and a powerful deterrent," he added.
In addition to the strategically placed missiles, local authorities stationed Royal Navy helicopters on the Thames River and stationed Royal Air Force jets and army helicopters close by.
"The safety of the games is paramount and for the last four months, working alongside the police, the MOD has conducted a broad range of community engagement in those areas where ground-based air defense may be sited," a ministry spokesperson said.
