CNN iReport

Anger at UK far-right TV appearance

Hundreds of demonstrators have besieged the television studios of the BBC in London to protest against an appearance by the leader of the far-right British National party (BNP) on a flagship political programme.

A small number of protesters burst into the headquarters of the country's national broadcaster in the capital, dodging a heavy security cordon, but were escorted out.

Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, is due to appear as a panellist on the Question Time debate show due to be recorded at the centre on Thursday.

The first appearance by a far-right politician on a programme regularly watched by three million people has aroused strong reactions, with anti-racism groups arguing that the BNP should not be given a platform and others backing it on free speech grounds.

'Racist politics'

About 400 demonstrators, brandishing placards reading "Stop the Fascist BNP" and shouting "Smash the BNP" were involved in the protests. Three people were reportedly arrested.

Speaking to Al Jazeera outside BBC Television Centre, Weyman Bennett, from Unite against Fascism, argued that Griffin should not be given a platform on the show despite arguments on the grounds of free speech.

source/ more :

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2009/10/20091022171945914563.html

About 400 demonstrators were involved in the protests outside BBC Television Centre [EPA]