A man has been arrested and several hate crimes are being investigated following an anti-racism protest and counter-protest in Glasgow city centre today.
Thousands of people gathered on Buchanan Street this afternoon as part of the Glasgow Reclaims The Streets From Far-right Hatred And Violence protest. A large police presence was felt in the city centre to support the rally going ahead peacefully and to minimise disruption. However, a small number of "far-right thugs", some waving Union Flags or wearing Union Flag style face coverings, tried to launch a counter protest before being separated from the main demonstration by police.
A 53-year-old man was arrested for threatening a police officer and another officer was struck by an egg which had been thrown. Individuals were issued with city centre dispersal orders for their conduct following the protest. A number of hate crimes were also reported and are now being probed. Otherwise, the force said the two demonstrations "passed without major incident".
Anti-racism protesters reclaim the streets
Anti-racism protesters 'reclaimed the streets' of Glasgow in the wake of 'racially-motivated' assaults in the city. Placards featuring slogans such as "Stop racist Reform UK", "women against the far right" and "we belong, racists begone" were carried by protesters as they chanted anti-racism lyrics.
Stand Up to Racism Scotland hailed the demonstration as a success despite the small number of "far-right thugs" who attempted to disrupt the day. Posting on social media, a spokesperson said: "Thousands of Glasgow anti-racists have officially reclaimed the streets!! 1000s of anti-racists & anti-fascists at Buchanan Steps, Glasgow to oppose a small rump of 30 far-right thugs who have come to counter our anti-racism rally. They are dressed for violence, trying to copy the racist thugs who lead a pogrom in Belfast this week. Nae Pasaran!"
Background of recent violence
The demonstration came in the wake of violence and riots led by the far right following the death of Henry Nowak in Southampton and the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie in Belfast. A number of police officers were injured following far right disorder in Glasgow and Greenock in the days following the incident in Belfast.
Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: "We did warn that officers would respond decisively and robustly to keep communities safe, and I want to thank the public for their patience while the demonstration took place."
