POLICE Scotland has issued a statement ahead of a major anti-racism rally in Glasgow this weekend after the city faced “race riots” in the wake of a stabbing in Northern Ireland.
Three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, were arrested on Wednesday in Glasgow following an evening of unrest on Tuesday, in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt.
The disorder, organised by members of the far-right, followed a stabbing attack on Monday night in North Belfast.
Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the attack, with the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, who has lost an eye as a result.
A large group of rioters took to the streets in Glasgow’s city centre, where videos shared online appeared to show violent clashes between those involved against people of colour.
Following the evening of unrest in Scotland’s largest city, Stand Up to Racism has organised a demonstration on Saturday at the Buchanan Steps to “reclaim our streets” and show that the far-right is a minority in Glasgow.
Ahead of Saturday's anti-racism rally, Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said the force is anticipating a significant number of demonstrators to attend and that they “recognise the concerns felt within communities”, particularly following recent events in Belfast.
He said: “Large numbers are expected in Glasgow city centre tomorrow, and a significant policing operation will be in place to support public safety and minimise disruption.
“Our role is to facilitate lawful activity, protect the public and respond appropriately to any incidents that may arise.
“People have the right to express their views lawfully and we will act to keep people safe, protect communities and reduce the impact on residents, businesses and visitors.
“We will continue to engage with organisers and partners as part of our planning, with a focus on public safety and preventing disorder.”
Waddell continued: “We recognise the concerns felt within communities, particularly following recent events in Belfast, and we understand that those concerns may be heightened at this time.
“It is important that all communities across Scotland feel supported, protected and able to go about their daily lives without fear of hatred or intimidation.”
He added: “There must be no repeat of the disorder and violence seen in the city earlier this week, when members of our communities were targeted because of the colour of their skin and officers working to keep people safe were injured.
“The behaviour witnessed as rightly been condemned across Scotland as it does not reflect the country’s values.
“There is no place in Scotland for racism, hatred or violence of any kind.
“My message is clear. Those attending must do so lawfully and the police will support public safety.
“But we must issue a warning that anyone seeking to exploit recent events to break the law, promote racism or violence, or disrupt people’s lives should be in no doubt that Police Scotland will respond decisively and robustly to keep communities safe.”
It emerged on Wednesday that worshippers at Glasgow’s largest mosque had to be locked in the building for their own safety as violent tensions flared in the streets.
Other “disruptive but peaceful demonstrations” sprang up in Edinburgh, Falkirk, Perth, Ayr, and Paisley, with no arrests being made on the same evening.
There have been other smaller anti-immigration protests in Scotland this week, with the most recent being in East Kilbride on Thursday night.
Rioters arrived at the entrance of the Bruce Hotel on Cornwall Street shortly after 7pm, with images showing those involved wrapped in Union flags standing just feet away from the doors as police officers formed a line outside the hotel.
Hotel staff and guests looked on from inside as officers monitored the group.
Stand Up to Racism organised an anti-racism protest in the wake of the disorder in Glasgow's city centre on Tuesday evening, stating: “Last night, a violent mob of over 400 racists followed far right and fascist activists through the city centre of Glasgow, violently attacking people of colour to try and say that the streets belong to them.
“They claim to be the majority, but we know that's not true.
“Join us at Buchanan Steps on Saturday, 1pm to reclaim our streets for the anti-racist majority and that we say no to the far right!!”
