Breivik Manifesto Review: SIOE

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.

Stop Islamization Of Europe (SIOE)

The SIOE is a political interest group which has been active in Denmark and the UK. It claims to oppose Islamic extremism but like the EDL, it's a hate group. The American version of the group is the Stop Islamisation of America (SIOA) run by the Islamophobic bloggers Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller (who have EDL ties and are mentioned by Breivik too).

In his manifesto, Anders thinks that the ideologies these parties have are justifiable saying,

Quote: ‘I’m not saying organisations like SIOE or EDL should be that alternative but at least IT IS an alternative that can be morally and ideologically justified.’

He also saying both these parties should develop to reach out to the masses, saying his group should,

Quote: ‘...continue to involve Europeans on all levels (develop organisations like SIOE, EDL etc. and strengthen all 8 fronts).’

SIOE

Suggesting an online tactic, Breivik tells people to email groups such as the SIOE 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’

The SIOE's links with the EDL & the Islamophobia network

The Community Security Trust (CST) has linked the SIOE to the EDL and the far-right British National Party (BNP) (the BNP deny the claim). Moreover, the SIOE co-sponsored a demonstration with the EDL in Harrow and are still affiliates. They were also attending the recent  Islamophobic event in Sweden too.

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.

What's common is that these parties promote the fear of a faith based on personal and political hatred. Breivik had similar views.

Further reading:

1. Breivik Manifesto Review: The EDL
2. Breivik Manifesto Review: Robert Spencer
3. Breivik Manifesto Review: Pamela Geller