Hate demo is drowned out
Scottish Defence League protestors outnumbered by Perth anti-facist crowd
An SDL protestor riles anti-fascist demonstrators An estimated 500 anti-fascist demonstrators drowned out a small number of Scottish Defence League members during a counter-protest in the centre of Perth on Sunday.
Groups, individuals, politicians and unions came together in huge numbers before walking from the railway station down Marshall Place, along Princes Street, St John Street and the High Street before congregating in King Edward Street.
A bus, from Durham, which picked up a handful of SDL protestors – who were campaigning against plans which could eventually see a replacement mosque built on Jeanfield Road as the local Muslim community is looking to expand its current Glasgow Road base – was met with jeers.
Two SDL protestors stood alone for over an hour before around 40 more farright protestors were lead by police down South Street to their pen by the city hall.
The SDL bus was held up as members of ‘Antifa’ broke away from the main counter-protest to form a blockade on South Street.
As a result, SDL protestors walked down from the Railway Station’s Glasgow Road car park.
More than 200 police officers were understood to be in the city centre, with horses and riot vans on almost every corner.
Pete Wishart MP attended the antifascism protest and was delighted by the way in with Perth united to stand against the SDL.
“There was a fantastic turnout making it quite clear that there is no place in our Fair City for the hate and ignorance represented by the SDL.
“A handful of fascists were faced with a huge and diverse crowd disgusted at their attempt to hijack a local planning issue to promote their racist agenda.
“I spoke to people of many faiths and none, people of all ages determined to make it clear that the local Muslim community have our support. I am very proud of Perth today.”
Acting Scottish Labour leader, Alex Rowley, also attended the demonstration, and said he was pleased to see the people of Perth send out a resounding message.
The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP said: “It is important to call these people out. There is no place in any Scottish city for their message of hate, bigotry and racism.
“The police were well prepared and friendly, and I hope there’s a clear message from the protest: No city should put up with the SDL’s hatred and we won’t turn a blind eye to it.”
Perth North SNP councillor John Rebbeck also watched on, and highlighted the excellent job done by the police.
He said: “The police handled the protests really well.
“I was slightly concerned when I saw that the SDL marched down South Street as it was only supposed to be a static demonstration which doesn’t require council planning, but the police kept The Scottish Defense L eague on South Street in Perth everything under control.
“The turnout was fantastic and I wasn’t surprised to see Perth defend its broad spectrum of citizens and reputation as an inclusive, welcoming city.”
Police Scotland later said of the event: “A 25-year-old man was arrested in relation to a breach of the peace and will appear at Perth Sheriff Court at a later date.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation whilst this event took place.”
It is understood the 25-year-old was not a member of the SDL.
A variety of anti-fascist groups took part
There was a high police presence throughout the day The Perth community came together on the day