Police are on standby for another potential clash between far-right agitators and anti-racism protestors in Falkirk. A rally on Saturday has been dubbed “The Right Unites” - explicitly inviting far-right groups to assemble in the town.
Counter-Demonstration Planned
The gathering will be countered by a Unity March organised by the Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) group and Falkirk For All, an alliance that has stood against those who have campaigned for the closure of a refugee hotel in the town.
After the Voices For Falkirk group sent out flyers inviting extremists to join their ranks, SUTR denounced their motivation for such an event.
Organisers Condemn Far-Right
The group posted on X: “Falkirk far-right are not ‘local people with local concerns’. They are part of organised networks of racists, fascists and white supremacist groups who spread hate, Islamophobia & racist violence. Join us this Sat 15 Aug, 11am Callendar House to march in unity against racism.”
The demo marks the first anniversary of a stand-off between anti-racists and groups seeking the closure of the Cladhan Hotel. The demos attracted some notorious supporters, including the Patriotic Alternative group, which has been strongly linked with fascism.
Tensions Heightened by Jailing
Tensions have been inflamed by the jailing of immigrant Muhammad Sheikhi, 23, for four years following a trial at Stirling Sheriff Court on Monday, August 10. The predator was sentenced after carrying out deliberate attacks on November 30 last year.
SUTR stated: “The far-right managed to gather 1,000 people behind their racist banner last August and used violence and racist, misogynistic threats in an attempt to intimidate and deter local anti-racists from organising.”
“Their aggression did not win out. Local anti-racists persisted and over the last year have organised weekly protests against the far-right to oppose them, exposing their racist and fascist links, disrupting their momentum and growth. What remains is a rank rump of the most embittered racists and fascists in Scotland, who fail to mobilise numbers beyond 30/40 at the Cladhan Hotel.”
Previous Demonstrations
Indications online suggest that anti-immigration campaigners from Aberdeen and Peterhead may travel for the event. The anti-immigration Unite the Clans demo in Glasgow last month was badged as an event to “Protect Our Women and Kids” but domestic abusers were prominent in their ranks. The Record highlighted Ryan Marshall, 37, who made Nazi salutes at the demo as a serial abuser of women.
Another active far-right protester, Alan Miller, 26, was also unmasked as an abuser who attacked two of his partners and his mum. Police say 1,700 people took part in the demos. On the day, July 25, there were 15 arrests - but more are expected, with police rooting out those suspected of crimes caught on camera.
