Thousands to take to the streets in anti-fascist demo

THOUSANDS of people are set to take part in an anti-fascist rally in the Capital this Saturday as members of a right-wing group plan to gather on the same day.

The appearance of the Scottish Defence League (SDL) has sparked fears of possible violent clashes with opponents from anti-fascist groups.

But organisers from Scotland United Against Racism and Fascism, which has received the city council's approval to hold a demonstration, say they expect their marchers to behave peacefully. They say as many as 3,000 could turn up.

Police chiefs today pledged to deal with members of the SDL "firmly but fairly" if they try to gather for their own event after they failed to apply to council chiefs for permission to march.

Officers have already asked Hearts to move the club's match against Hamilton from Saturday to Sunday, freeing up more resources to police the events.

In November, the SDL, an offshoot of the English Defence League, staged a march with around 50 people in Glasgow which descended into violence involving anti-fascist protesters.

Supporters of the anti-fascist march are set to gather at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens at 11:30am on Saturday, with representatives from trade unions, faith groups and political parties expected to speak.

The marchers are due to set off at 1pm on a route which will take them up The Mound and on to the Meadows.

Organisers said they have been working closely with police in a bid to ensure the event passes off peacefully, and its marchers are to be kept separate from any SDL supporters who turn out.

Dave Moxham, an assistant secretary with the STUC, has been involved in organising the march. He said: "Scotland United Against Racism and Fascism grew up from a desire to ensure that the SDL and EDL don't come to Scotland.

"We don't want these groups spreading their poison in Scotland, where we are proud of our multiculturalism.

"We're planning a peaceful demonstration. We do not condone any violence and we are working with the police to ensure our route does not come close to any SDL who decide to turn up."

Shami Khan, chairman of Edinburgh & Lothians Racial Equality Council, said: "We want to show that the Muslim community are united against the SDL.

"We will stay peaceful because if there are clashes then what's the difference between us and them?"

A spokeswoman for United Against Fascism Scotland, one of the groups taking part in the march, said: "We had 3,000-3,500 taking part in Glasgow, and though Edinburgh is smaller, we would hope to approach that figure."