Police in Glasgow have vowed to unleash a “strong response” against violence today ahead of major planned protests.
The Pink Ladies, campaigning for women and children’s safety amid Britain’s migrant crisis, are slated to hold a protest on Glasgow Green at 1pm.
A counter-demonstration run by Stand Up to Racism Scotland is slated to start an hour before, with organisers branding the Pink Ladies a “far-right pink charade”.
One of the counter-protesting groups, Women Against the Far-Right Scotland, claimed the women’s safety protesters were being pushed to the front-line by people who “pretend to care about women’s rights”.
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While union boss Roz Foyer accused the group of “weaponising” migrant crime against “communities”.
“Women’s safety cannot become an expendable pawn in attempts to inflame tensions over race, sex or gender.
“Nor should horrific cases of abuse be weaponised to spread hatred against entire communities,” she said.
The Pink Ladies have denied those allegations, however.
“Tell them to come along on the day and listen to what the speakers are going to speak about and the stats that are going to be shown on the screen,” a spokeswoman said.
“That’s the only response I’ve got to it. There’s not weaponisation of anything.”
With tensions rising, police are now warning they will come down hard against criminality or disorder.
Officers will be joined by drones, horses, dogs and helicopters around the park.
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They will also be bringing along “specially trained hate crime advisers” who will help them judge “what may constitute a hate crime” on the spot.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Stevie Dolan said: “People have a right to peaceful protest.
“We perform various functions at protests but our main role is to prevent crime and disorder, whether that criminality is from people who are part of a protest group, counter protesters or passers-by disrupting a protest.”
He continued: “If you are attending on Saturday, live nearby or just visiting the area, speak to us. We’re there for your safety.
“Any violence or disorder will get a strong response.
“There is no tolerance for people pretending to be part of a peaceful protest who are intent on causing disorder.”
In July, violence erupted between anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters at the same place in Glasgow.
Protesters were seen wearing t-shirts bearing slogans like “it’s okay to punch a Nazi”.
Police on horseback moved in as counter-protesters clashed with Unite the Clans demonstrators on Glasgow Green, with punches and projectiles thrown during the disorder.
So far, moe than 20 people have been charged following the scenes.
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