A DELIVERY driver in Glasgow who was forced to flee after far-right thugs launched a traffic cone at him has spoken out – highlighting the fear and anxiety he has felt since.
Muhammad Jawad, 31, was working in the Tradeston area on Saturday afternoon when a group, seemingly coming from the anti-immigration Unite the Clans rally at Glasgow Green earlier in the day, started shouting racist abuse at him.
“I did not speak to anyone or do anything wrong,” he said in a video shared with The National (below).
“They called me sh*t Asian, sh*t brown guy and shouted ‘kick him out’ and ‘throw him out’.”
A video of the incident shared on social media has also gone viral, with one of the far-right thugs overheard calling Jawad a “sh**tebag”, whilst one of them also launched a large traffic cone at him.
“I was very scared and had to run into a nearby shop to protect myself.”
Over the phone, Jawad described to The National how he hasn’t left his house since Saturday’s incident and has experienced anxiety and depression as a consequence.
He said that he came to Glasgow with his wife three years ago so she could study and “build a better life”.
“I am living legally and working in the UK,” Jawad added.
“My wife is also worried about my safety. I came to Scotland believing it was a safe and welcoming country. I hope this incident is taken seriously and that the people responsible are held accountable.”
It comes as some 15 arrests were made in Glasgow on Saturday in connection to the protest, including for possession of an offensive weapon, assault, breach of the peace, obstruction and resisting arrest.
Police Scotland said weapons recovered at the scene of the initial rally at Glasgow Green, which took place near a children’s play park, showed some arrived with the “intention for pre-meditated disorder, violence and intimidation”.
“Extensive enquiries are underway to identify other individuals involved and further arrests will be made,” the force added.
Chief superintendent Emma Croft said: “We have seen significant disorder from disparate groups in Glasgow today at what should have been peaceful, lawful protests.
“Incidents of this nature can understandably cause a great deal of concern, and our officers took quick and decisive action to protect the public and bring the situation to conclusion.
“I want to be clear that the behaviour from many of these groups is not legitimate protest, it amounts to violence, intimidation and fear and will not be tolerated.
“Officers have recovered weapons that clearly indicate there has been an intention for pre-meditated disorder, violence, and intimidation. Enquiries will continue in this regard.
“This is completely unacceptable behaviour and those involved should be in no doubt that they will be identified and held to account for their actions.
“At a time when Glasgow should be shown at its best, it is extremely disappointing to once again be dealing with violence and disorder that attempts to create unease in our communities.”
“The protests and associated incidents have now concluded. We will continue to have a visible policing presence in the city centre and surrounding areas.”
