Police probe Yousaf death threats from viewers of online video

Scotland’s justice secretary has contacted police after receiving death threats from viewers of a rightwing online video.

Humza Yousaf said he had contemplated leaving politics over the threats.

The threats came after a video was posted on the website of Canadian rightwing media platform Rebel News, featuring Ezra Levant criticising Mr Yousaf over his controversial Hate Crime Bill.

It was reported that Mr Yousaf then received an email saying he and his family should be “firebombed” and he should be “butchered”.

Mr Yousaf told a national newspaper: “What is different about the recent emails is the clear depiction of violence towards myself and towards my family.

“I know 99 per cent of the time these are keyboard warriors but the concern is could there be that 1 per cent that actually are unhinged enough to act upon the threats that they make?

“For the first time, I had the fleeting thought ‘I just don’t know if doing the job I do is worth putting my family at potential risk’.”

Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland can confirm it has received a complaint of offensive communications and inquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Levant said: “Obviously I oppose violence and the threat of violence, and my video is completely peaceful.”

Mr Yousaf said he intends to stand firm as quitting politics would hand victory to those who perpetrate hatred.