Questions for cops over ‘heavy-handed’ tactics
CONCERNS have been raised about “heavyhanded” police tactics used during a protest. Protesters at George Square yesterday were kettled by officers, a practice used to manage crowds by confining them to a small area with police cordons.
Dennistoun councillor for the Scottish Greens, Kim Long, was among those who attended an anti-racism protest in the city centre yesterday.
She said: “I was part of peaceful, socially distanced antifascist and anti-racist protest this [morning], surrounded by huge police presence.
“After I left there were a number of police actions [as documented by press] that raise questions, especially comparing the tactics of today to those of recent days.”
She added: “As a member of the committee covering local police scrutiny, I will seek answers to these questions.”
James Kelly, a Labour MSP for Glasgow has received complaints from constituents about “heavy-handed” police tactics.
He said: “I have been contacted by constituents who attended the protest and were very concerned about the heavy-handed policing.
“People have specifically queried why the protesters were ‘kettled’ by the police. I will be raising these concerns directly with the police.”
We told yesterday how hundreds attended the protest in honour of World Refugee Day which was surrounded by cops.
Anti-racism campaigners arrived early to chalk social distancing markers on the ground and late-comers were turned away to limit the crowd size.
Police officers formed a cordon splitting the protesters from a small group of loyalist supporters gathering around the Cenotaph.
The majority of the rally passed without a major incident but just before noon, police kettled a group they claimed were identified as “football risk supporters”.
The group was slowly led through the East End tightly surrounded by scores of officers.
Chief Superintendent Alan Murray said: “Significant police resources were deployed at George Square to prevent the disgraceful scenes of violence and disorder witnessed in recent days.
“Those who turned up to protest were facilitated with an appropriate policing response and I would like to thank all officers involved for their professionalism in preventing trouble and maintaining public safety.
“Acting on information, at the end of protest around midday, officers contained a large group of people, including individuals identified as football risk supporters, who we believed posed a threat to public safety both within George Square and at other locations. “We engaged with this group and, at their request, escorted them to the Gallowgate area of the city where they dispersed.
“As part of our response, Police Scotland also imposed an Order under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.
“This allows police to search any individual or vehicle within the Greater Glasgow area and covers the city to help maintain public safety in all areas. “Our robust response will continue across the country and anyone intent on causing violence and disorder should expect arrest.”