Arrests as ‘far-right’ group clashes with police at rival refugee rally in Glasgow

Six men arrested after protesters turn up to ‘protect Cenotaph’

Nicola Sturgeon has said “racist thugs shame Scotland” after a “far-right” group clashed with police and protesters at a refugee rally in Glasgow.

Police Scotland said six arrests were made following the incident in the city’s George Square on Wednesday evening.

No Evictions Glasgow was due to protest over the living conditions of refugees at 6pm but cut the rally short after reportedly being made aware far-right groups would be turning up an hour before.

National Defence League supporters gathered in the square from 5pm, saying they wanted to “make a stand” and “protect the Cenotaph”, the BBC reported.

Hundreds of people were in the area with a large police presence when “racist thuggery” broke out.

First minister Ms Sturgeon tweeted: “Disgraceful scenes in Glasgow tonight. Racist thugs shame Scotland. If they break the law, they should face the full force of it.

“And all of us should unite to say that welcoming refugees and asylum seekers is part of who we are.”

No Evictions Glasgow campaigners abandoned their rally after it was deemed “unsafe” and continued protesting as they were escorted from the scene.

The group wrote on Twitter: “We condemn attempts by far-right groups to hi-jack our peaceful protest tonight, which is about the conditions facing people in the asylum system in Glasgow. Our demo has nothing to do with the cenotaph.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, of Police Scotland, said in a statement: “We had an appropriate police presence in place to ensure public safety during the demonstrations in the George Square area on the evening of 17 June.

“So far, six men have been arrested for minor public order offences and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

“The majority of protesters have now left George Square and officers remain in the area for public reassurance.

Police in George Square in Glasgow during a No Evictions Glasgow protest against the living conditions of refugees, 17 June 2020. (Andrew Milligan/PA)

“A review will be undertaken and should any further criminality be identified appropriate action will be taken.”

Scottish justice secretary Humza Yousaf branded the other group “racist” and said arrests had been made.

He tweeted: “Briefed by Police Scotland on disorder in George Sq. Let’s not mince our words, this has nothing to do with statues and everything to do with racist thuggery.

“Police have made a number of arrests already and will continue to take all necessary action against those responsible.”

Mr Yousaf also said he understood most of the arrests were “loyalists”.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard condemned the violence as “bigotry”.

He tweeted: “The bigotry on display in Glasgow this evening has no place in a tolerant, open society and must be condemned.”

Additional reporting by Press Association