Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 05:50 pm
LONDON – Thousands of anti-racism protesters hit the streets in towns and cities across Britain as hundreds of far-right demonstrations were brought into effect after days of unrest triggered by a stabbing incident in Southport. By 11 pm Wednesday, most more than 100 planned far-right demonstrations did not materialize. A heavy police presence backed up by large anti-racist crowds kept order, Xinhua news agency reported.
Demonstrations also took place across the UK, with protesters carrying placards that read: “Smash fascism & racism,” “Refugees welcome. Stop the far-right,” and “Love, not hate.” In Brighton, only a small handful of far-right protesters materialized and were vastly outnumbered by anti-racism demonstrators.
The anti-racism protests came as a much-needed relief after several days of far-right protests that targeted Muslims and immigrants-attacks resulting in injuries among police officers, looted stores, and hotels that housed asylum seekers.
Baseless online rumors that a suspect in the Southport stabbing, which left three children dead in late July, was a Muslim immigrant sparked the rioting. In fact, the true suspect, Axel Rudakubana, 17, was born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents; he has been charged with murder.
More than 100 rioters have been indicted following the uprising, their cases moving briskly through the courts. On Wednesday, three men were sentenced to prison, one of them receiving a three-year term.
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Heavy Police Presence
The British government deployed large police forces to maintain order and ensured that most of the scheduled far-right demonstrations did not materialize. Quick action on the part of police helped a lot in maintaining public safety and further incidents of violence were prevented.
Response of the Community
The huge attendance of anti-racism protesters showed that the wide rejection of far-right ideologies and commitment to tolerance and inclusivity are strong among many UK citizens. Messages of unity and in support of refugees and immigrants were emphasized during protests.
Legal Consequences
The swift legal response to the riots-most over 100 individuals charged and processed through the court system-also signals the UK is committed to dealing with such acts of violence and disorder as the sentences imposed on three men, a clear indication that such offenses will not be condoned.