Racially motivated offences have surged in Scotland, with 5,871 incidents recorded in the last year, according to new figures. Police Scotland data reveals a 13 per cent increase in the 12 months to March – an additional 670 race hate crimes compared with the previous year.
The statistics come as protests erupted in several locations across Scotland this week following a stabbing in Belfast. Hadi Alodid, 30, who is Sudanese, was charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, 40, who has links to Scotland. Far-right groups have been accused of using the incident to fuel division.
Police Response and Violence
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Officers responded to disorder and violence, including incidents in Glasgow where members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Officers were also attacked. I would strongly condemn that offending and send a clear message that there is no place for racism and violence in Scotland. Officers continue to be in local areas and we are engaged with communities to show support and listen to concerns.”
Five people, including two police officers, were injured during the unrest in Glasgow, which saw riot vans and a helicopter deployed. Worshippers had to be locked in the city’s largest mosque as tensions flared and unrest spread, in scenes First Minister John Swinney described as “unacceptable”.
Rise in Anti-Immigration Protests
Scotland has also witnessed a string of increasingly vocal anti-immigration protests at several sites over the past 12 months, including hotels and other accommodation for asylum seekers. There have been 60 hate crimes logged at accommodation housing asylum seekers, 48 of which were racially aggravated, according to a force report. It stated that although anti-immigration protests and related incidents are down from a peak in April to June, levels remain high.
Police Scotland deployed more than 100 hate crime advisers to observe protests, monitor chants and flag comments that could be deemed offensive.
Other Hate Crime Trends
Data shows hate crimes related to disability, religion and age also showed increases, up by about eight per cent, 11 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Other types of hate crimes relating to sexual orientation, transgender identity and variations in sex characteristics all fell compared with the previous year.
