MSP reports lawyer over hate speech claims
Reform UK's Thomas Kerr has reported Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland following a speech.
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Reform UK MSP Thomas Kerr has reported human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland. Kerr alleges Anwar made hate speech comments during a speech at a counter-protest to anti-immigration demonstrators on 26 July. Kerr stated Anwar's remarks went beyond political debate and could encourage hostility towards people based on their political views, nationality, ethnicity, and cultural identity.
Aamer Anwar has rejected the claims made by the Glasgow MSP. Anwar accused Kerr of wasting police time and described him as a 'wannabe tartan Tommy Robinson'. Anwar stated police were busy tracing those responsible for inciting and participating in race hate, attacks on police officers, and attacks on innocent people of colour during the demonstrations.
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Glasgow Demonstrations
Police Scotland reported that approximately 1,700 people took part in demonstrations in Glasgow on Saturday, 26 July. The force stated that groups engaged in violence, disorder, and hate-motivated offences. Fifteen people were arrested following the events, and police indicated further arrests may follow.
During his speech, Anwar referred to political campaigners as 'terrorists' and questioned their culture and religion. He drew parallels between the alleged attempted murder in Belfast and an anti-Muslim knife attack in Edinburgh. Anwar asked what would happen if non-white communities responded to such attacks with violence and questioned if they would be labelled 'terrorists'.
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Anwar also questioned Kerr's stance, suggesting that several Reform members were present alongside individuals making racist abuse, threats of violence, and Nazi salutes. He asked if Kerr would suspend Reform politicians who attended the 'Unite the Clans' event and assist police inquiries. Glasgow Reform councillor Audrey Dempsey has admitted speaking at this rally.
First Minister John Swinney described the protest as a 'demonstration of far-right hatred' and the disorder as 'completely and utterly unacceptable'. Chief Constable Jo Farrell called the scenes 'disgraceful' and vowed further action against those causing disorder.
A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that information had been received and was being assessed.
Questions this report answers
+Who reported Aamer Anwar to the police?
Reform UK MSP Thomas Kerr reported Aamer Anwar to Police Scotland over alleged hate speech during a speech at a counter-protest on 26 July. Kerr claimed Anwar's remarks could encourage hostility based on political views, nationality, ethnicity, and cultural identity.
+What happened during the Glasgow demonstrations on 26 July?
Approximately 1,700 people participated in violent demonstrations in Glasgow on 26 July, with police reporting groups engaged in violence, disorder, and hate-motivated offences. Fifteen arrests were made, and further arrests may follow as investigations continue.
+What did Aamer Anwar say in response to the allegations?
Aamer Anwar denied the hate speech claims and accused Thomas Kerr of wasting police time. He described Kerr as a 'wannabe tartan Tommy Robinson' and questioned why Reform politicians who attended the 'Unite the Clans' event had not been suspended.
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