A demonstration in support of refugees is being held in Bristol on Saturday. The event is organised by Bristol Stand Up to Racism and comes after an anti-asylum seeker protest took place on Merseyside last week.
The group is calling for people to mobilise at the fountains in the city centre at 2pm. Organisers want to send out a clear message that ‘refugees are welcome’ and join others taking a stand against the actions of far right groups.
A spokesperson from Bristol Stand Up To Racism said: “In recent weeks we have seen a reemergence of the fascists and far right mobilisations. In Liverpool on Friday we saw hundreds of racist bigots attempt to storm a hostel housing refugees.
READ MORE: What happened when 100 asylum seekers arrived in a rural community near Bristol
“If they had been successful it was clear their intention was to violently assault and injure the refugees living there. The government's daily diatribe and whipping up of hatred to refugees and migrants is giving the fascists the green light to take to the streets.
“We have seen across Europe if the fascists are not actively opposed then all of us will pay a terrible price. We are therefore holding this event to show we will not tolerate race hatred and violence here. Please come and show opposition to racist thugs.”
Last week far right protesters descended on a hotel in Knowsley in a demonstration, which culminated in a police van being set on fire. The action was prompted by rumours connected to a video that went viral on social media concerning a man who was falsely accused of being an asylum seeker staying at the Knowsley Hotel.
One member of Care For Calais, which mobilised 100 people in a counter protest last Friday said the scene was like a ‘war zone’ and raised concern for the wellbeing of those staying at the hotel. Following the violent clashes between protesters and police, 15 people were arrested. One person has been charged for the protest.
For more information please see the Facebook event here.
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