Thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh on Saturday to protest against racism following a series of alleged anti-Muslim attacks that left five people injured earlier this month.
The demonstration, organised by the anti-racism group Reclaim Our Streets, drew residents, community organisations, trade unions, politicians and public figures in a show of solidarity with the victims and opposition to far-right extremism, The Scotsman reported.
The march moved through Leith, led by human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar, with participants gathering along Leith Walk, where one of the alleged attacks took place. Organisers said around 5,000 people attended the rally. Demonstrators also observed a minute’s silence during the event.
The protest followed a number of incidents on June 19 in Sighthill, Telford Road and Leith Walk. Those injured included young worshippers returning from prayers at Broomhouse Mosque, an Asian Deliveroo driver and a Muslim taxi driver.
A 36-year-old man, Lewis Hawkes, has appeared in court charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism. He made no plea and was remanded in custody.
Support
The march received support from several trade unions, the Muslim Council of Scotland, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and well-known figures including Frankie Boyle, Irvine Welsh and Young Fathers.
Among the speakers were Talat Yaqoob of Women Against the Far Right Scotland and Aamer Anwar.
Felix, an activist with Stand Up to Racism in Edinburgh, said: “Farage called for ‘pure cold rage’, after the murder of Henry Nowak and today’s march in Edinburgh was a response to that.
“Today shows that the majority of people in Edinburgh and Leith are anti-racist.
“It is the job of anti-racists to mobilise them and continue to get them out on to the streets.”
Following the demonstration, a spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism Scotland praised the turnout, saying: “We are proud of our role in organising and mobilising a mass response to the racist stabbings in Leith and Edinburgh – and all the 5,000 people who took to the streets should join us in feeling proud.
“One of the slogans of our movement is ‘an injury to one is an injury to all’ – and today we showed that’s not just a slogan. We sent a strong message to fascist and racist thugs that if they come after our workmates, neighbours and friends, we will respond – and we will do in our 1000s.”
They continued: “For every racist, there are many more of us prepared to respond to their violence. We are going to fight together to oppose the far right – and we will fight together for real change.”