Police Respond to Glasgow Protests
Police attended a protest in the Cranhill area of Glasgow last week following a series of disturbances linked to social media allegations about individuals accused of crimes residing in certain properties.
Reform UK's Scottish deputy leader, Thomas Kerr, has cautioned protesters to exercise caution regarding online misinformation amid these events in Glasgow.
Glasgow MSP Thomas Kerr told the BBC that targeting individuals at their homes is inappropriate and called on communities to avoid protesting at "someone's door".
Police were present during incidents this week in Cranhill and Castlemilk, where social media posts claimed that people accused of crimes were living in specific residences.
Additional protests took place in Springburn on Friday and Possilpark on Saturday, where a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a "disorder offence".
The protest in Possilpark was triggered by online speculation, described by Glasgow City Council and police as "entirely factually incorrect," regarding plans to extend a care home to accommodate asylum seekers.
Thomas Kerr emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations and refraining from targeting individuals.
"There's two points here – firstly, turning up at someone's door is wrong. Do not do that, do not target people.
But the second thing that we're seeing in working class communities, particularly across Glasgow, is an anger towards a political establishment that has used communities as dumping grounds for people who've come here illegally,
That's how people feel, that's how the anger exists."
Kerr further stated: "People have to be very careful what they listen to and why is it they're going to protest.
Your voice is your power, so go out and use your voice, but do not turn to fists."
Police Presence and Arrests
Police Scotland reported that the Possilpark demonstration "dispersed without further issue" following the arrest of one individual.
A spokesperson said: "We had appropriate resources in place to ensure the safety of those in attendance and mitigate disruption to the wider community.
A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with a disorder offence and inquiries remain ongoing."
Last week, Police Scotland issued a warning about hate crimes after the Castlemilk demonstration, during which house windows were reportedly smashed. Officers confirmed that the occupant was an "innocent member of the public."
In Cranhill, a 50-year-old man was arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer after a large group gathered outside a block of flats.
Right-Wing Blogger Questioned at Edinburgh Airport
On Friday, Craig Houston, a 53-year-old Glasgow-based right-wing YouTuber, was stopped and questioned by police at Edinburgh Airport under anti-terror legislation.
Houston, who describes himself as an investigative journalist and runs a video channel covering political issues including immigration, had posted videos online discussing the recent incidents.
He was not arrested or charged; however, Police Scotland confirmed that his electronic devices were seized as part of the inquiry.
