Anti-racism group calls on Edinburgh to 'come together' after man charged in connection with 'anti-muslim' attacks
Stand Up To Racism Edinburgh said that the incidents demonstrated a “disturbing rise in racist violence and intimidation”
An anti-racism organisation is calling on Edinburgh residents to “come together” after five were injured in a series of “anti-muslim” attacks.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested and charged after five people were injured in a number of incidents across the city on Friday evening (June 19).
Among those injured in the incidents, which took place in Sighthill, Telford Road and on Leith Walk, were young worshippers who had attended prayers at Broomhouse Mosque, an Asian Deliveroo driver and a Muslim taxi driver.
Three of the men were taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) Edinburgh has issued a statement in which it said that the events are a demonstration of “a disturbing rise in racist violence and intimidation”.
Referring to recent riots in Belfast and racist attacks in Glasgow city centre, SUTR Edinburgh said: “From Belfast to Glasgow, and now Edinburgh, people have been targeted because of who they are, what they look like, or what they believe.
“Many people in our Black, Asian, Muslim, migrant and refugee communities are scared, angry and understandably concerned about what comes next.
“Some are questioning whether it is safe to walk their own streets, travel home at night, or go about their daily lives without fear of abuse or attack.
“That is exactly what the far right wants. They want to spread fear. They want communities to retreat into silence. They want people to feel isolated and alone. We refuse to let them succeed.”
The anti-racism group has arranged a demonstration in Leith this Saturday (June 27) at 1pm with the specific location set to be announced at a later date.
The group said: “The overwhelming majority of people in Edinburgh reject racism and hate. Our city belongs to all of us, and we will not allow a small number of violent bigots to terrorise our communities or dictate who feels safe in our streets.
“On Saturday 27 June, we will come together in Leith to send a clear message: we will not be intimidated. We will not be divided. We will stand together and push back against those who seek to spread fear and hatred.
“Our solidarity is our power. These are our streets. Let’s reclaim them.”
Following Friday night’s attacks, Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.
“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.
“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.
“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.
“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”