Edinburgh came together in a powerful show of unity on Saturday as thousands of people gathered to voice their outrage against racism and hatred. The city had been shaken just one week prior by a series of alleged anti-Muslim attacks, which left five individuals injured and a community reeling.
The 'Reclaim Our Streets' rally, held at Pilrig Park, was attended by a diverse crowd of demonstrators who came from all walks of life to condemn prejudice and violence. Among the attendees were local residents, trade unionists, community organisation representatives, and prominent political figures, all united in their commitment to creating a more inclusive society.
The event was sparked by the attempted murders on 19 June, which saw five people sustain serious injuries across multiple locations in the city. Lewis Hawkes, a 36-year-old man, appeared in court facing charges of attempted murder with alleged links to terrorism and has since been remanded in custody without entering a plea.
As the crowd took to Leith Walk, the site of one of the alleged attacks, they observed a minute's silence in solidarity with the victims. The poignant moment brought trams and traffic to a halt, underscoring the gravity of their message before attendees proceeded to Pilrig Park for a rally.
Rania Obead, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, echoed the sentiments of the crowd when she stated: "We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, sending a clear message that we will not tolerate racism or hatred in our communities." Talat Yaqoob of Women Against the Far Right Scotland added that recent violence had left many feeling targeted and scapegoated for societal ills.
Linda Somerville, Deputy General Secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), praised the impressive turnout, reiterating the need for people to feel safe and supported in their daily lives. Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar also spoke out against recent comments from right-wing politicians, asserting that "Your words have consequences" and they should be held accountable.