The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Yousaf praises ‘robust’ policing of parades
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has praised police in Glasgow for a “robust” operation around two republican parades and a counter protest on Saturday afternoon.
Mr Yousaf also wished a “full and speedy recovery” to a police officer injured by a firework thrown during the incident.
About 1,000 demonstrators and counter-protesters took to the streets, resulting in 10 people being arrested for a variety of offences, according to the police.
An officer who was struck by a pyrotechnic during the parade was taken to hospital for treatment, with Assistant Chief Constable Bernard Higgins saying he was “disgusted at the recklessness and stupidity” of the protesters throwing fireworks and flares.
The decision to allow the marches to take place was made by Glasgow City Council following advice from Police Scotland despite similar marches descending into violence the weekend before.
While recognising the right to hold processions and demonstrations as “central to our democratic society”, Mr Yousaf said: “It is important that we do not lose sight of the collective need for action to achieve a zero-tolerance approach towards sectarianism and offensive behaviour.
“Scotland’s communities also have a right to feel safe and to be protected from disorder and thuggery.”
Mr Higgins said: “The majority of those who took part in the processions listened to us and complied with our instructions.
“A significant number of those who attended as part of the counterprotests were intent on stopping the processions from taking place but were prevented from doing so by prompt and decisive police action.
“I am, however, disgusted at the recklessness and stupidity of those who decided to throw pyrotechnics, one of which injured an officer,” he added.