Worshippers at Glasgow's largest mosque were forced to shelter behind locked doors as violent protests broke out in the city, following a stabbing attack in Belfast. The unrest, which saw hooded protesters march through the streets, left three members of the public and two police officers injured, according to Police Scotland.
Mosque under lockdown
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar confirmed that those inside Glasgow Central Mosque had to remain behind locked doors and gates, surrounded by police, as marchers appeared to head towards the city centre mosque. He questioned the connection between the mosque attendees and the attacker in Belfast, stating, "The people inside that mosque who had to be locked in with the doors locked and the gates locked surrounded by police, what did they have to do with the attacker in Belfast? They would be equally horrified by the knife attack there, they too will want justice to prevail."
Arrests and injuries
Three men, aged 31 and two aged 18, were arrested following the disorder in Glasgow on Tuesday. Police Scotland reported that members of the public were attacked because of the colour of their skin. Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said officers responded to incidents of disorder and violence, including attacks on individuals based on their ethnicity.
Background: Belfast stabbing
The protests were triggered by a stabbing attack on Monday night in North Belfast. Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the attack. The victim, 44-year-old Stephen Ogilvie, originally from Scotland, is said to have lost an eye as a result of the assault.
Protests across Scotland
Demonstrations also took place in other Scottish cities, including Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley. In Glasgow city centre, some protesters invoked the memory of murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak, with one banner reading "white lives matter." Videos on social media showed violent clashes between protesters and members of the public.
Political reaction
Anas Sarwar condemned the protesters, noting that many were clad in balaclavas and black hoodies, describing their behaviour as "intimidating" to passers-by, particularly those from minority backgrounds. He said the group tried to march towards the mosque, adding, "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."
