Breivik Manifesto Review: The EDL

Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik killed more than 70 people and was a right-wing extremist. An interesting case to point out is who was mentioned in his manifesto, and who perhaps inspired him. Here, we take a close look at the manifesto and highlight the English Defence League (EDL) and its affiliates.

The English Defence League (EDL)

The EDL are mentioned in Breivik's manifesto by name 25 times.

In his manifesto, Breivik personally claimed to have had more than 600 EDL-supporting Facebook friends and had contact with members and even leaders,

Quote: ‘I used to have more than 600 EDL members as Facebook friends and have spoken with tens of EDL members and leaders.’

He also says he supplied them with ideas and strategies in the beginning,

Quote: ‘In fact; I was one of the individuals who supplied them with processed ideological material (including rhetorical strategies) in the very beginning.’

Although saying the EDL are ‘dangerously naïve’ and ‘naïve fools’, Breivik still said they ‘work hard’ and have ‘noble intentions’.

Breivik even recommended the EDL's model of protesting, saying,

Quote: ‘It is highly advisable to structure any street protest organisation after the English Defence League (EDL) model as it is the only way to avoid paralyzing scrutiny and persecution.’

Suggesting an online tactic, Breivik tells people to email groups such as the EDL to ‘consolidate and grow the European resistance movement’, he asks,

Quote: ‘Please distribute this compendium to all individuals in the following groups (and similar “patriotic” groups - through their email’

Breivik doesn't even condemn the EDL. Instead, he says that people should rather 'help them',

Quote: ‘Instead of condemning and rejecting organisations like EDL it is essential that conservative intellectuals contribute to help them on the right ideological path.’

Likewise, it seems some intellectuals are helping them behind the scenes already.

The EDL's links with the Islamophobia network

In this photograph recently taken in Sweden, two of the EDL's key figures (Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll) were key speakers at an Islamophobic event.

Right to left: Robert Spencer, EDL Deputy Kevin Carroll,
Pamela Geller and EDL leader Tommy Robinson

Coincidentally, all four of these individuals had links in Anders Breivik's manifesto. Spencer was cited and named, Breivik claimed he had EDL links, and Pamela's blog were also cited. They are part of the dangerous and intolerant Islamophobia network that Breivik supported.

These four (and their parties) are linked, their ideologies and work are similar, and they promote the fear of a faith based on personal and political hatred. Breivik had similar views.

Further reading: