The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Anti-fascists vow to unite against SDL at city march
Scottish Defence League’s protest leads to fears of ‘war zone’ in Fair City
Anti-fascist groups have pledged to unite against hatred, amid warnings an SDL march could turn Perth into a “war zone”.
The extremist group faces a wall of opposition when it descends on the Fair City this weekend to protest against a new mosque.
Last night, anti-racism groups from around Scotland met in Perth to plan a counter-demonstration, while businesses prepare to batten down the hatches.
One city centre restaurant has already announced it will not be serving alcohol on the day, warning customers to stay away from the King Edward Street area around the time of the demonstration.
Other city centre establishments are expected to follow suit.
Businesses in Perth are battening down the hatches ahead of a march by the far right Scottish Defence League (SDL) this weekend.
The extremist organisation plans to descend on the city centre to rally against a new mosque, but it will be met by more than 200 counter-protesters.
SDL supporters have warned Perth will become a “war zone” on Sunday, and businesses are already taking precautions to protect staff and customers.
Willows restaurant, overlooking Perth City Hall, has announced it will not be serving alcohol and has cancelled outdoor seating.
Muslim shopkeepers, who said they were terrified by the prospect of the march, have also said they will close on the day.
More than 100 people gathered at the Queens Hotel last night to coordinate a counter movement.
A spokeswoman called on counter protesters to bring out drums and other musical instruments to “drown out the hate speech”.
Charlotte Ahmed of Unite Against Fascism said: “We can stop these people from growing and spreading their poison throughout the country.”
Locals were told that because they don’t have a permit to officially march the SDL will be staging a “static demonstration” and will be escorted by police from their “muster point” at the train station to the city centre.
Pete Wishart MP said: “I am very disappointed that the SDL will be on the streets of Perth this Sunday with their message of hate in an attempt to whip up anti-Islamic feeling amongst our community.
“It is important that they do not secure the Perth streets to themselves and fascists must always be opposed.
“I am not prepared to stand back and allow them to intimidate my constituents and try and spread their hate in our beautiful city.”
A spokesman for Edinburgh Antifa, which supports the counter-protest, said: “The SDL are trying to exploit this situation and create division in the community, even going as far as calling the local Tory-led council “lefty traitors” and telling outright lies about the capacity of the new Mosque.
“While the people of Perth are having a grown-up conversation about car parking the screaming bairns of the SDL are barging in and throwing a tantrum.”
UAF Scotland spokesman John McFadden added: “We encourage antifascists to demonstrate their support for Perth’s Muslim community and all of our vibrant and diverse communities.
“The tiny minority of wandering fascists must be left in no doubt that their vile views shall never be tolerated or go unchallenged.”
Meanwhile, SDL members have been in Perth to drum up support for their march.
The group, which claims it was asked by locals to hold a demonstration, has been handing out flyers to shoppers in the city centre.
According to the leaflets, organisers are angry that Perth and Kinross Council “ignored” objections from residents about a lack of parking at the earmarked Jeanfield Road site.
But SDL supporters have claimed the wording of the statement was wrong.
One wrote on social media: “This line of ‘we’re worried about parking and traffic chaos’ needs to go.
“I couldn’t give two s***s about the traffic and parking situation.
“I’m worried that my race, nation, country and culture are being eroded in favour of a foreign, culturally incompatible one.
“Even now political correctness still permeates this movement. “It needs to stop.” Another wrote: “Perth gonna be a war zone.
“Let the battle commence.”
I am very disappointed that the SDL will be on the streets of Perth this Sunday with their message of hate in an attempt to whip up anti-Islamic feeling amongst our community. PETE WISHART MP