A FORMER member of Pegida has spoken out against a demonstration the anti-Islam group is planning in Limerick later this month.
The former Pegida Ireland member, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisal, told the Limerick Post that he decided to sever ties with the rightwing group due to their hateful and racist propaganda.
“I joined Pegida after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. I didn’t even like their cartoons but I strongly believe in free speech. The group then started to become radicalised from Germany and it all became about hatred and violence. It just didn’t sit well with me so I left, many other members left at the same time,” he explained.
“I know not everyone will agree with my views but I don’t think races should mix. If people in Africa want to live in mud huts then that should be allowed and even encouraged. But if you start to mix cultures, then you are left with no culture at all.”
“I joined Pegida because I was against ISIS, not because I am against Muslims. I am not. I just think their culture and ours don’t mix and Ireland isn’t the right place for them. I have met lots of Muslims and most of them are very nice people. I just don’t want to see the call to prayer on RTE.”
The former Pegida Ireland member believes the far-right group is very dangerous and finds it ironic that their founder Lutz Bachmann is coming to Limerick despite the fact he has a criminal conviction. The 43-year-old PR consultant was also recently found guilty of inciting racial hatred following a Facebook outburst in which he described immigrants as “scum” and “cattle”.
“He is a successful businessman in his own right but he is also a convicted drug dealer. He is a very dangerous man and shouldn’t be allowed into Ireland. If you let him in the next thing you will have to allow ISIS in to recruit members. Many of Pegida’s top men are known drug dealers. They are very dangerous people,” he warned.
No date or venue has yet been disclosed for the event, which is being organised by Identity Ireland.
Commenting on the proposed Pegida demonstration, a Garda spokesman said that they facilitated peaceful protests.
“We fully recognise people’s democratic right to peacefully protest and will facilitate this. We also recognise the rights of others to go about their lawful business and the day-to-day needs of the business community and local residents. We would urge any organisations that intend to protest to notify the Gardaí and other local authorities.”
by Alan Jacques
alan@limerickpost.ie
