Glasgow communities unite for anti-racist march

Several hundred people held a march and rally in Glasgow city, Scotland, today calling for action to improve the lives of refugees…

Several hundred people held a march and rally in Glasgow city, Scotland, today calling for action to improve the lives of refugees and existing tenants of the city's Sighthill estate in Scotland.

Police say around 350 local people took part in the peaceful demonstration, marching from the Sighthill estate to George Square in the city centre.

The organisers, calling for action to improve the lives of both refugees and existing residents, claim the number of people who took part was nearer 600 and say it was the first show of solidarity of its kind in the country over the issue of immigration.

Today's march followed the killing earlier this month of 22-year-old Turkish Kurd refugee Mr Firsat Dag. A man has appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court charged with murder.

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The marchers were joined by a number of Scottish actors, including David Hayman and My Name Is Joestar Peter Mullan.

Mr Mohammed Asif, a spokesman for Sighthill's 1,500 asylum seekers, says: "I think today's march gives a very clear message to the authorities that the asylum seekers and residents of Sighthill are as one."

Responding to the rally, Glasgow City Council said it would continue to work with the communities in the wake of recent protests over the authority's dispersal measures.

PA