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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Jamie Calder

Thousands of anti-racism protesters drown out far-right rally in Glasgow

Hundreds of anti-racism campaigners gathered in Glasgow (Image: NQ)

THOUSANDS of anti-racism protesters gathered in Glasgow on Saturday in response to violent anti-immigration disorder that broke out in the city on Tuesday.

Organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), the anti-racism rally was set up to "send a clear message to the racist far-right that they are not welcome in our diverse city."

A small far-right counter rally was separated from the crowd by police. In attendance were dozens of men dressed in black with balaclavas, masks and other face coverings, totalling around 50.

Several scuffles were seen between police and the far-right group as both sides exchanged chants.

The anti-racism protesters, who by the end of the demonstration had filled much of the northern end of Buchanan Street with an estimated turnout of close to three thousand, could be heard shouting "Nazi scum off our streets" in response to what looked like Nazi salutes being performed by members of the far-right group.

Projectiles, including coins and drinks cans, were also thrown by the far-right group in the direction of the SUTR rally after an attempt by the right-wing group to break the police kettle.

As tensions between police and the far-right rally flared the group was eventually led away as thousands of anti-racism protesters cheered and clapped.

The protest was attended by several high-profile speakers, including human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, Scottish Greens MSPs Holly Bruce and Iris Duane, and former SNP equalities minister Kaukab Stewart.

Comedian Susie McCabe was also in attendance, telling The National that she was "ashamed that people from ethnic minorities and marginalised communities were getting bullied by people," slamming the violent disorder seen on Tuesday as "disgusting".

The rally comes in response to violent disorder that broke out on Tuesday evening in response to a stabbing attack in Belfast.

Sudanese man Hadi Alodid, 30, has appeared in court charged with the attack on the 44-year-old victim, Stephen Ogilvie, who has lost an eye as a result.

An anti-immigration rally held on Buchanan Steps later turned violent, with three men, one aged 31 and the others aged 18, being arrested on Wednesday in connection to incidents in which three members of the public and two police officers were hurt.

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