The best photos and interviews from #ScotlandAgainstTrump rallies
OVER 10,000 PEOPLE across Scotland joined emergency demonstrations last night (Monday 30 January) in solidarity with the American civil rights movement and in opposition to the divisive policies of US President Donald Trump.
Marches and rallies, the largest congregating in Scotland’s cities, stood in support of human rights for those under threat from the rise of right-wing populism in America and Europe.
Home made signs and chants in support of women, migrants, refugees, the LGBT community, & all who face bigotry took over city centres in one of the largest ground swells of public protest in recent years. Similar protests took place across the UK as a gigantic 1.6m people signed a government petition in opposition to Trump’s planned state visit to the UK later this year.
Wow. Over 5,000 people out in Edinburgh. The people, united. #ScotlandAgainstTrump pic.twitter.com/6VjVMCXRcx
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) January 30, 2017
The Scotsman newspaper reported number at around 7,000.
Organisers told CommonSpace that they believed the rally, put together at short notice, was one of the largest the city had seen for a number of years.
The Edinburgh anti Trump protest really is huge pic.twitter.com/lzJCR0AuW1
— Liam Kirkaldy (@HolyroodLiam) January 30, 2017
Edinburgh Northern and Leith SNP MSP Ben Macpherson told the rally that there was: “Such amazing strength shown tonight for the principles of equality, democracy and justice. I couldn’t be prouder of Edinburgh tonight.”
The passionate demonstrators were led in pro-refugee chants by refugee rights activist Pinar Aksu.
Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here. #ScotlandAgainstTrump pic.twitter.com/TJ7yQT03EO
— Michael Gray (@GrayInGlasgow) January 30, 2017
Rhea Wolfson, Labour Party, said the demonstration proved that “We will stand hand in hand with our international family and not with their oppressor.”
Deborah Kayembe, a human rights lawyer who moved to Scotland as a refugee, told the crowd: “If I have survived in the UK, it is because of ordinary people like you who have been on my side.”
Buzzfeed were particularly impressed by some of the sign designs on show.
Some strong Scottish protesting at the anti-Trump rally in Edinburgh. pic.twitter.com/XtI3hCpFua
— Jamie Ross (@JamieRoss7) January 30, 2017
Glasgow
Towards 2,000 people gathered in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street and George Square.
Growing crowds in #Glasgow to protest the #MuslimBan Once again hugely proud to call this city home. Looking 4ward 2hearing @SandraWhiteSNP pic.twitter.com/0NxLuu08ND
— Euan Ingram (@ingles85) January 30, 2017
Crowd in Glasgow use mobile phones to light up event#MuslimBanprotest pic.twitter.com/BnGGW58if2
— James Doleman (@jamesdoleman) January 30, 2017
The gathering at Buchanan Street chanted “From Palestine to Mexico, all the walls have got to go” and “No hate, no fear: Donald Trump’s not welcome here.”
Earlier protestors who gathered from 5pm on Buchanan Street then joined up with a second rally in the city’s George Square.
George Square full to the brim to protest the #MuslimBan and call for #TrumpBan #RefugeesWelcome #Glasgow pic.twitter.com/Cjz4L17CD4
— Robert J Somynne (@RobertJSomynne) January 30, 2017
Lawyer and human rights activist Aamer Anwar spoke to CommonSpace, saying the movement “uniting in solidarity with the muslim community”.
. @AamerAnwar on why international solidarity is more important now than ever #MuslimBan #BanTrump #Glasgow #StopPresidentBannon pic.twitter.com/6yeAKsmITX
— Robert J Somynne (@RobertJSomynne) January 30, 2017
CommonSpace reporter Nat Williams also spoke to Muslim Scots on the normalisation of prejudice by the far-right and media.
Muslim Scots from the #Glasgow #TrumpBan #MuslimBan protest give their views on the normalisation of prejudice & the media’s role. pic.twitter.com/0NYeyDcyoO
— Robert J Somynne (@RobertJSomynne) January 30, 2017
Highlights also included a sign which read “Yer maw was an immigrant: you absolute roaster.”
Aberdeen
Protestors gather in #Aberdeen for #Trump #MuslimBan demo More on #ReportingScotland @BBCOne & @BBCRadioScot shortly pic.twitter.com/IKiByPRSDu
— Fiona Stalker (@Fionasstalker) January 30, 2017
Protest against #MuslimBan and Trump in Aberdeen pic.twitter.com/2fAeXxnH68
— LUCHA-DORABLE (@AdorableCalums) January 30, 2017
Dundee
Over 300 people protested in Dundee, with a march from City Square to the McManus gallery.
Trump #MuslimBan protest, Dundee. ❤ pic.twitter.com/EBcU6p2C3x
— Yoor Wullie (@YoorWullie) January 30, 2017
Large crowds turn out at #Dundee ‘s city centre to protest against Donald Trump! #NoBanNoWall #AntiTrump pic.twitter.com/sWKSxJJ37Q
— Sèvres (@SeeverJaff) January 30, 2017
St Andrews
Favorite sign of the protest so far #StAndrews #TrumpProtest #StandUpToTrump #ScotlandAgainstTrump pic.twitter.com/1uoupOxTTL
— Ben Frost (@BFrostipops) January 30, 2017
Scottish Government minister Humza Yousaf celebrated the protests. “Often in darkest of times we see the best of the human condition shine through,” he said.
Huge crowds across Scotland protesting against #MuslimBan – often in darkest of times we see the best of the human condition shine through pic.twitter.com/zph6RGZpUQ
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) January 30, 2017
Picture: CommonSpace
Check out what people are saying about how important CommonSpace is. Pledge your support today.
