Nicola Sturgeon tells Donald Trump to stop 'attacking’ race protesters

Nicola Sturgeon has criticised Donald Trump's handling of his country's race riots and urged the US President to stop "attacking the protesters."

Nicola Sturgeon criticised Donald trump's handling of US riots

She even backed calls for Scots to donate to "community bail funds" for jailed protesters in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd while he was being arrested.

Ms Sturgeon said during First Minister’s Questions today she felt "solidarity" with the Black Lives matter movement in the US which is spearheading the protests. Demos are also planned around the UK, including Scotland, at the weekend.

"We are all looking on with concern and horror at the scenes unfolding in the United States,” the First Minister told MSPs.

"I believe the President of the United States has a duty to address the underlying causes of the protests - the legitimate protests we are seeing - rather than continuously attacking those protesting."

Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie urged Scots who are considering joining a protest this weekend to "act responsibly" and observce social distancing.

He added: "Perhaps better is something we can do from home - donating to the community bail funds to support those who have experienced the authoritarian response that we are witnessing on our screens."

"I've made a donation, I urge others to do the same and I hope the First Minister will join me in that call."

The First Minister said all Scots want to "make their voices heard" on the issue, but warned mass gathering could be a risk to health.

"I would appeal to people to make their voices heard safely and not to put themselves and others at risk," she added.

"Patrick Harvie has helpfully listed some ways including making donations to community bail funds as ways in which people can do something that can makes a difference without putting themselves at risk so I would certainly echo that."

Mr Harvie also called for the UK to stop all export licences for security and policing equipment to the US "to ensure this country is not providing the tear gas, rubber bullets and riot gear currently being used against protesters and journalists."

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