No to Islamophobia! Refugees Welcome!
The Nazi Scottish Defence League SDL are planning a demonstration in George Square, Glasgow on Saturday 4th June at 1pm. Unite Against Fascism in Glasgow is organising a counter-demonstration, which will bring trade unions, anti-racists, anti-fascists and the local communities together to oppose the fascists to let them know they are not welcome in our multi-cultural city or anywhere else in Scotland.
The SDL are no strangers to George Square. In 2012 they intimidated a ‘Refugees are Welcome’ demonstration in the square and they then went on a rampage down Buchanan Street attacking pro-Palestine stalls. A total of 57 incidents of anti-Islam hate crime were recorded following this one incident by the SDL. Elsewhere, the Islamophobic SDL have provocatively attempted to march through Pollokshields the most multi-cultural area in Scotland.
The SDL are attempting to exploit and grow from the Islamophobia and the anti-refugee sentiment that is being peddled by prominent mainstream politicians and the media. Politicians are desperate to direct attention away from the effects of austerity, poverty and war.
Although the SDL are small in numbers, they are dangerous as their recent outing at the fascist National Front march in Dover on Jan 30th demonstrated.In total 20 weapons were seized by police including hammers, bricks, a lock-knife, knuckle duster, glass and pieces of wood.
Fascist groups like the SDL have been driven back by consistent, broad based, anti-fascist work, but they are attempting to take advantage of the current scaremongering of migrants and refugees by sections of the media and politicians. We need to remain vigilant, oppose them in large numbers and make sure they do not gain a foot hold.
Don’t let the racists and Nazis divide us. SDL not welcome in Glasgow.
Say Yes to Diversity, Refugees Welcome! No to Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and scapegoating migrants!
Supporters of the demo include:
Afghan Human Rights Foundation, Berwick upon Tweed & District Trades Union Council, Dumfries Trade Union Council, Dundee Labour Trade Union Coordinating Group, EIS Dumfries and Galloway Local Association, Glasgow Campaign to Welcome Refugees, Greater Glasgow Hope over Hate, PCS Scotland, People’s Assembly Scotland, Positive Action in Housing, Room for Refugees, Scottish Trades Union Congress, Scotland Against Criminalising Communities, Stand Up to Racism Scotland, Unite Against Fascism Scotland, Martha Wardrop (Green Party Councillor).
