Anti-fascists plan to block SDL march

Police to attend protest due to potential for disorder

A protest by far right extremists on the streets of Perth could be eclipsed by a counter demonstration by anti-fascist groups.

The Scottish Defence League (SDL) is planning a city centre rally to campaign against plans for a £1 million mosque.

However members of 13 groups from across Tayside are mobilising to block the protest.

Police chiefs have conceded there is potential for disorder and a large number of officers will be deployed on the day.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said: “We aim to minimise the risk of disorder and our message to those taking part is to respect Perth.”

The SDL has issued an open invitation ahead of the planned protest.

Representaitves of anti-fascist organisations, including Hope Not Hate and Stand Up to Racism, met in Perth at the weekend to coordinate their plan.

Far-right demonstrators could be vastly outnumbered by counter-protesters when they march through Perth city centre next month.

The extremist Scottish Defence League has organised a gathering to protest against plans for a new £1 million mosque.

The demonstration, which was announced on social media, has been condemned by local politicians from all sides.

Now 13 anti-fascist groups are mobilising to block the march.

Members met in Perth at the weekend to organise a “peaceful demonstration” at the railway station, the SDL’s arranged “muster point”.

A spokeswoman for the counterprotest said: “The more people of Perthshire who can come along and add their voices against this blatant display of hatred the better.

“People at the meeting expressed their total opposition and disgust to any move the far-right organisation have taken to march through the city.”

SDL members are expected to face representatives from United Against Fascism, Hope Not Hate, Dundee People’s Assembly and Stand Up to Racism, among others.

Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said there would be a large police presence on the day.

Although he was unable to say how many protesters were expected, the estimated numbers given by SDL “are not big”.

“But there will be a sizeable number from the anti-fascist side,” he said. “We want it to go off peacefully.” CI Scott conceded there was “potential” for disorder.

He added: “People have the right to protest whether you agree with their point of view or not.

“And likewise, people have the freedom in this country to counter that.”

Anti-fascist groups will be holding public meetings ahead of the planned demo on Sunday, September 10.

Demonstrators are expected to gather at the train station at 1pm.

According to the SDL’s message on Facebook “local residents are furious that their objections (to the mosque) have been ignored”.

Planning officers received five objections to Perth Islamic Society’s proposal. Opponents said they had no problem with the plan in principal, but were concerned about limited parking.

In response to calls for a counterdemonstration, a spokesman for the farright group posted on social media: “The SDL has been active for eight years now and had over 30 demos and not even once have these left-wing extremist cowards ‘smashed’ us, they have never stopped us having a demo and they never will.”

Picture: Getty. The Scottish Defence League are planning to demonstrate in Perth... but groups across Tayside are aiming to counter the protest.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. A member of the group at a protest in Dundee.