We all knew that Bethnal Green was going to be one of the real 'battle grounds' of this year's election, but we meant it in the usual election cliche kind of way, not in the 'actual threat of real violence' kind of way it's turned into.
As you've probably read by now, George Galloway was threatened with violence last night at a Stepney council estate, after up to 30 Asian men starting shouting abuse" at him during a meeting.
According to reports, the tennants meeting George was attending was 'invaded' by a miltant group who, locked themselves in, and accused Galloway of being a 'false prophet', which was 'punishable by death'.
Oona King has also been targetted: over the weekend she had her car tyres slashed and she was pelted with eggs.
And to make matters worse there's a closed question-and-answer session tonight in Mile End, at which around 350 people are expected to grill all the Bethnal Green candidates.
But at least the Respect Coalition aren't trying to play up to the whole thing, and actively encouraging people to turn serious political deabte into a free for all:
The Bow and Bethnal Green parliamentary election is going to be one of the most interesting, controversial ones in the country. This is the *only* public appearance where Oona King and George Galloway will be seen together.
(Appparently the flyers they're handing out say "You'll kick yourself if you miss this one" on them...Jesus.)
