Worshippers at Glasgow's largest mosque were forced to lock themselves inside as tensions erupted following a stabbing in Northern Ireland, with police confirming that individuals were attacked 'because of the colour of their skin'. Three men, aged 18 and 31, were arrested on Wednesday in Scotland's biggest city after the unrest, which left three members of the public and two police officers injured, according to Police Scotland.
The disturbances followed a stabbing attack on Monday night in North Belfast. Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the assault, with the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, reportedly losing an eye as a result.
Protesters took to the streets in several parts of Scotland, including Glasgow city centre, with some invoking the memory of murdered 18-year-old Henry Nowak. One banner read 'white lives matter'. Videos on social media appeared to show violent clashes between protesters marching through the city centre and members of the public.
Police Response
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell stated: 'Our priority is public safety and last night we had a conventional police response to demonstrations across the country. We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime without fear or favour. 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.'
Waddell added that Police Scotland has an 'appropriate policing plan in place' to address 'any escalation in disorder'.
Peaceful Demonstrations Elsewhere
Other 'disruptive but peaceful demonstrations' occurred in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley, with no arrests made.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, also a Glasgow MSP, said worshippers at Glasgow Central Mosque had to be locked inside as marchers appeared to head toward the building. He described many marchers as wearing balaclavas and black hoodies, calling their behaviour 'intimidating' to passers-by, 'particularly those from certain minority backgrounds'. Sarwar stressed: '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.' He added that members of the public would have 'nothing to do with the attacker in Belfast' and would be 'equally horrified by the attack'.
Political Condemnation
First Minister John Swinney called the scenes 'unacceptable', stating: '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. The scenes we saw in Glasgow and other locations last night are completely unacceptable. Scotland is a welcoming nation and those who choose to make their lives here are valued members of our communities. 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.'
Health Secretary Angela Constance called for calm, telling those involved: 'Just go home and behave yourself.' She added: 'Our communities don't need this level of disruption.' The former justice secretary emphasised that Police Scotland takes these matters 'very, very seriously'.
Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer described the protesters as 'scumbags', recounting reports of grown men screaming at non-white individuals, including children, to 'send them home'.
