Scotland’s Justice Secretary has contacted police after receiving death threats from viewers of a right-wing online video.

Humza Yousaf said he had contemplated leaving politics over the threats but said he fully intends to stand firm as quitting would hand victory to those who perpetrate hatred.

Coupar Angus factory: Anyone living in a household with a factory worker must no...

The threats came after a video was posted on the website of the Canadian right-wing media platform Rebel News, featuring Ezra Levant criticising Mr Yousaf over Scotland’s controversial new hate crime legislation.

The Daily Record reported that the minister then received an email saying he and his family should be “firebombed” and he should be “butchered”.

Mr Yousaf told the newspaper: “I can’t really remember a time when there hasn’t been racist abuse but, generally speaking, it has not been particularly violent or threatening.

“What is different about the recent emails is the clear depiction of violence towards myself and towards my family.

“I know 99% of the time, these are keyboard warriors but the concern is, could there be that 1% that actually are unhinged enough to act upon the threats that they make?

“For the first time, I had the fleeting thought ‘I just don’t know if doing the job I do is worth putting my family at potential risk’.”

Mr Yousaf said he has been left “shaken” by the threats, but added: “I fully intend to stand but it is the first time I’ve contemplated otherwise.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm it has received a complaint of offensive communications and inquiries are ongoing.”

Mr Levant has been asked to comment.

Reporting by PA

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Humza Yousaf: Scotland’s Justice Secretary contacts the police after receiving death threats