Welcome to the Utopia Forums! Register a new account
The current time is Fri Mar 29 01:34:50 2024

Utopia Talk / Politics / Riot police deployed in Glasgow
Paramount
Member
Sat Aug 31 01:23:21
Riot police deployed following Govan demonstrations

Riot police, mounted officers, a helicopter and dog units have been called in following an Irish Unity march and counter protest in Glasgow.

The planned march through Govan, by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band, was met by hundreds of "disruptive" counter demonstrators.

Police said this led to "significant disorder", with Govan Road blocked by officers.

Witnesses reported the use of smoke bombs.

The Irish Unity march was planned to start at 18:30 in Elder Park, Govan. But it was met by a counter demonstration of "several hundred people" from loyalist groups at about 19:00.

Ch Supt Mark Hargreaves said: "Police Scotland has a duty to facilitate processions and any peaceful protest, but this kind of behaviour by persons demonstrating against the parade is utterly unacceptable.

"It is extremely disappointing to see people acting in this fashion, causing fear and alarm to members of the public as well as putting many people at risk."

He added: "Specialist public order officers in full protective equipment, the mounted section, air support and dog units have been deployed and we are using proportionate tactics to de-escalate the situation as quickly and safely as possible.

"Police Scotland will undertake a thorough and robust inquiry and take any necessary action against those found to have been causing disruption."

Glasgow City Council tweeted a statement to call Friday night's events in Govan "unacceptable".

It continued: "The council is clear that the law expects it to facilitate public processions; including those that some people oppose or find offensive.

"However, this cannot continue to be at the expense of the overwhelming majority of Glasgwegians, who want nothing to do with these marches, or counter-protests.

"The city needs and wants fewer marches. We are prepared to consider any action that will protect communities from morons intent on bringing mayhem to the streets of our city".

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49526876

This is extremely worrying. People has the right to protest. I expect the authorities in Glasgow to respect the freedom of assembly, expression and association as well as the right of people to demonstrate.

I hope the authorities can handle and solve this in a humane way.
show deleted posts

Your Name:
Your Password:
Your Message:
Bookmark and Share