An anti-racism rally is set to take place in Glasgow this weekend after the city faced “race riots” on Tuesday evening in the wake of a stabbing in Northern Ireland.
Stand Up to Racism has organised a demonstration on Saturday at the Buchanan Steps at 1pm to “reclaim our streets” and show that the far-right is a minority in the city.
A statement from the group read: “Last night, a violent mob of over 400 racists followed far right and fascist activists through the city centre of Glasgow, violently attacking people of colour to try and say that the streets belong to them.
“They claim to be the majority, but we know that's not true.
“Join us at Buchanan Steps on Saturday, 1pm to reclaim our streets for the anti-racist majority and that we say no to the far right!!”
It comes after three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, were arrested on Wednesday in Glasgow following an evening of unrest, in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt, Police Scotland said.
The disorder, organised by members of the far-right, followed a stabbing attack on Monday night in North Belfast.
Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the attack, with the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, who has lost an eye as a result.
A large group of rioters took to the streets in Glasgow’s city centre, where videos shared on social media appeared to show violent clashes between those involved against people of colour.
It emerged on Wednesday that worshippers at Glasgow’s largest mosque had to be locked in the building for their own safety as violent tensions flared in the streets.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the safety precaution had to be made as it appeared marchers were heading towards the Glasgow Central Mosque on Tuesday evening.
Sarwar, who is also a Glasgow MSP, added that many of those marching in the city were clad in balaclavas and black hoodies, saying their behaviour was “intimidating” to passers-by, “particularly those from certain minority backgrounds”.
Saying the group had tried to “march towards the mosque, which was nearby in the city centre”, he insisted: “That is not the right response to this disorder and actually it is not Glasgow.
“It is not the best of humanity, I think in many ways that demonstrates the worst of humanity.”
Assistant chief constable Alan Waddell said the Police Scotland “strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland”.
Other “disruptive but peaceful demonstrations” sprang up in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley, with no arrests being made.
First Minister John Swinney said the scenes in Glasgow were “unacceptable”.
He added that “under no circumstances” should Scots take to the streets for a second night, after violent clashes in Glasgow on Tuesday.
Swinney said in a statement: “The events which have followed the horrific and senseless knife attack in Belfast will be extremely concerning for communities who are already experiencing fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
“No one should be made to feel scared in a place they call home, and the actions of those involved do not reflect Scotland’s values.
“I utterly condemn this behaviour and stand firmly against acts that stoke any form of violence and intolerance.”
