Amidst turbulence, including two legal proceedings against the Premier League and EFL over its controversial point deductions this season, Leicester fans celebrated their loyalty. As celebrations continue throughout the city, we look back at a rocky season.
On 15 May each year, people around the world mark International Conscientious Objectors Day.
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TLDR: This month marks the one-year anniversary of the violence and disorder in East Leicester that grabbed headlines worldwide. Multiple inquiries have been launched, and 32 people were found guilty of various offences.
The unprecedented unrest between groups of Hindu and Muslim men between August and September last year dashed Leicester's reputation for community cohesion.
Leicester City Council announced an inquiry in October 2022. But it was stalled when the Hindu community refused to participate after the lead, Dr Chris Allen – Associate Professor in Hate Studies at the University of Leicester – was accused of being too biased.
After the unrest, Leicestershire Police led a significant investigation called Operation Energy, which saw a large amount of evidence reviewed and scrutinised. Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: "Over the last year, we have worked hard to engage with local communities to listen to their concerns and to closely monitor tensions".
The government recently announced they would be conducting their own review of why the events happened, chaired by Lord Austin, former Minister for Housing and Planning and former Minister for the West Midlands. Lord Austin has come under fire for his "divisive record" and "lack of legal background".
Leicestershire Police have since commissioned an internal review, which will be shared with the government "at the appropriate time", according to a press release on their website. They will also share it with the city council, local community, and faith groups.
In response to the unrest, the police have:
32 people were found guilty of offences ranging from possession of weapons to threats to kill.
Sentences included ten months imprisonment, fines, electronic tag curfew, and unpaid community work, among others.
⛈️ This week: On Tuesday, the last warm air should have cleared, with winds feeding in plenty of showers if you have not had them already. Some of these will be heavy and thundery, especially in the north and west parts of the county.
🌧️ 🌥️ Next week: A risk of strong winds and heavy rain. Temperatures will begin averaging out, although summer clings on with further warm spells likely during sunnier intervals.
Source: Met Office
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Various social, political and financial hurdles continue to prevent access to education. To mark back to school, we'll explore the right to education, including barriers and exclusion in Leicester.
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