OSLO, Norway (AP) — About 40 people gathered for an anti-Islam demonstration in Oslo, and were met with jeers and chants of “no Nazis on our streets” from a larger group of counterdemonstrators.

The protest was staged by the Norwegian Defence League (NDL), a group inspired by the larger English Defence League, which has carried out rowdy anti-Islam protests in Britain. The defense leagues say they’re not racists but “patriots” opposing a perceived Islamization of Europe.

Police spokesman Finn Belle said Saturday’s demonstration was peaceful and police successfully kept the two sides apart. He said three counterdemonstrators were detained for disturbing the peace and were fined before being released.

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The anti-Islam gunman who killed 77 people in Norway last year expressed support for the English Defence League and similar groups, though most denounced his attacks.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.