Arrests made at rival protests in Glasgow's George Square
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf's described the actions of counter-protesters at a refugee demonstration as "racist thuggery."
Last updated 17th Jun 2020
Arrests have been made at a rally for refugees in Glasgow’s George Square - after counter-protesters turned up.
A demonstration was due to take place to protest the living conditions of refugees in the city.
However, the group behind the event, No Evictions Glasgow, said it was made aware far-right groups would be turning up an hour before they were due to start at 6pm on Wednesday.
The campaigners had to cut their rally short – as it was deemed “unsafe.”
Images on social media show hundreds of people in George Square as well as a large police presence – with clashes breaking out.
On Twitter, No Evictions Glasgow said: “It's been decided the location of the demo at this time is not safe so we are going to leave the area as a group.
“If you haven't made it in don't try get in and stay away from the square. Try + make sure you are not alone if you are at the demo or in the vicinity.”
The campaigners continued their protest as they were escorted from the scene.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves said: "We had an appropriate police presence in place to ensure public safety during the demonstrations in the George Square area on the evening of Wednesday, 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.
"A review will be undertaken and should any further criminality be identified appropriate action will be taken."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the disorder as "disgraceful" and added that "racist thugs shame Scotland."
The force also confirmed four of the protesters arrested stated their purpose was to protect the statues, while another two arrested said their purpose was to attend the "End Hotel Detention Now" protest.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf branded the counter-protesters as “racist.”
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.”
SNP Glasgow South West MP Chris Stephens has condemned what he called the “far-right thuggery” taking place at the demonstrations.
Leading his adjournment debate on asylum seeker services in the Commons, Mr Stephens told MPs: “Let me be quite clear that I condemn the racism of the far right and I celebrate those who wish to protest about the unfair conditions which asylum seekers are faced with in Glasgow.
“I have no doubt further news will develop as this debate goes on, but I want to make it quite clear that the actions of the far right... this demonstration tonight is nothing to do with statues, but was to address the issue of conditions in this city.”
He added: “There is no place for far-right thuggery anywhere in the United Kingdom and people are entitled to peacefully protest if they think that the Government are not making the correct decisions.
“And it was peaceful protests that were planned tonight and they were met with thugs.”
Justice minister Chris Philp also condemned the violent scenes in Glasgow.
He said: “Violent protest of any kind is abhorrent.
“People do have a right to peaceful protest and I join him, and I'm sure everybody in the House, in condemning the acts of violence to which he referred to earlier.”
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.