Amnesty International today urged authorities in Scotland to take all feasible measures to ensure the protection of peaceful protesters and respect their right to freedom of assembly in the face of violence and intimidation from far-right groups advocating hatred and discrimination

The call comes after a peaceful demonstration in George Square in Glasgow to mark refugee week was attacked.

Amnesty has also called for all political leaders in Scotland to condemn far-right violence and racism.

Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland Programme Director for Amnesty International said:

“It is hugely concerning to see a peaceful protest highlighting the grave problems facing asylum seekers in Scotland, attacked by violent, far-right thugs. There is a legitimate problem faced by asylum seekers during this Coronavirus pandemic and that message mustn’t be drowned out.

“We were pleased to see that Police Scotland were protecting peaceful protesters. It is now important to see condemnation of racism and far-right political violence from leaders across the political spectrum and Scottish society.”