Nine Arrested in Connection with 'Hitler Birthday Party' in Oldham Pub
Nine individuals have been arrested in Greater Manchester after allegedly celebrating Adolf Hitler's birthday in a pub, an event that has raised alarm over the resurgence of far-right activities in the UK. The group, linked to the extremist organisation British Movement North West, posted photographs online showing themselves eating a cake adorned with a swastika and holding Nazi flags at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton last month.
According to the pub's owners, staff were unaware of the group's intentions, claiming they had concealed their Nazi memorabilia during the event. Following the arrests, Greater Manchester Police executed raids across several areas, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport, and Southport. Officers seized an array of weapons including swords, imitation firearms, a crossbow, and what appeared to be a grenade. The investigation is being taken seriously, with Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker noting the unsettling impact of such ideologies on the local community and the necessity of ensuring public safety.
The nature of the gathering has drawn attention not only locally but also in a broader context, reflecting a disturbing trend of neo-Nazi celebrations internationally. For instance, in Poland, three members of the group "Pride and Modernity" were arrested in 2018 after footage emerged of them celebrating Hitler's birthday in a similar fashion, demonstrating that these gatherings are not isolated incidents. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki condemned the celebrations, reinforcing his government's commitment to combating Nazi and fascist symbols.
Additionally, recent reports indicate that Austria is grappling with its own neo-Nazi challenges. In April 2024, four Germans were apprehended while commemorating Hitler's birthday at his birthplace in Braunau am Inn, where one individual was filmed performing a Nazi salute. Austrian authorities have condemned such acts and are actively working to repurpose the historic house into a police station in an effort to deter future gatherings of this nature.
Similarly, in Australia, anti-Nazi sentiments have been translated into legislative action. In December 2024, a 68-year-old man was charged for performing Nazi salutes inside a hotel in Sydney, reflecting a growing intolerance for such displays following the introduction of strict laws aimed at addressing rising antisemitism.
These instances highlight a concerning resurgence of neo-Nazi activities across various regions, often clashing with local community efforts to confront and counteract extremist ideologies. In Kentucky, for example, during an attempted birthday celebration for Hitler in 2017, local anti-racism groups intervened to disband the event, reinforcing the importance of community solidarity against hate.
As the investigation in Oldham continues, the police have assured the public that they do not believe there is a wider threat from the arrested individuals. However, the case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by far-right extremism and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding communities from such ideologies.
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Source: Noah Wire Services