Rally calls for religious freedom

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/6165086.stm

Version 0 of 1.

A rally to defend the right to freedom of religion and an end to Islamophobia is due to be held in London.

Organised by Muslim and human rights groups, it aims to halt a "deplorable regression" in community relations.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, who will address the rally, compared the recent "demonisation" of Muslims to that of Jews in the 19th century.

"As at that time, the attack on Muslims in reality threatens freedoms for all of us," Mr Livingstone said.

Other speakers at the event in central London on Monday include the director of human rights organisation, Liberty - which has co-organised the event with the British Muslim Initiative - and the general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain.

The rally comes at the start of the 13th National Islam Awareness Week which has "One World" and harmony between faiths as its theme.

Islam expert Professor John Esposito of Georgetown University will deliver the keynote speech at the launch event held at the Royal Geographic Society in central London.

The week will see a range of local activities across the country including an exhibition promoting the message of harmony between faiths.