Two men are due in court this week charged with the brutal murder of Manchester-born Drummer Lee Rigby in broad daylight.
Dad-of-one Rigby was hacked to death close to his Woolwich barracks on May 22 in front of terrified onlookers.
Muslim converts Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, will appear at the Old Bailey for a three-week trial – with both denying the charges.
Adebolajo wants to be known in court as Mujaahid Abu Hamza and Adebowale as Ismail Ibn Abdullah.
Protests have been planned outside the court today with North West MEP Nick Griffin arriving at 9am to demand capital punishment for the murder of members of British Armed Forces.
As part of Remembrance Sunday last week, the family of Rigby laid a poppy wreath at the cenotaph on St Peter’s Square in Manchester after a service at Bury Parish Church.
Councillor Naeem Hassan said: “Remembrance Sunday gives us time to reflect on past and present conflicts and is a chance for us all to express our respect for the men and women who have given their lives in the fight for freedom.
“It was an honour to meet with members of the armed services and faith leaders to mark this solemn day along with the people of Manchester.”
Legal arguments are expected to take up much of today’s proceedings, with Adebolajo and Adebowale not likely to be called until tomorrow at the earliest.
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