Thousands March in Edinburgh Anti-Racism Rally After Alleged Anti-Muslim Attacks

Thousands of people have taken part in an anti-racism demonstration, a week on from alleged anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh. The Reclaim Our Streets rally drew support from politicians, trade unions, local people and community groups. It came after five people were injured in a series of incidents on 19 June, which began near a mosque in the west of the city and ended in Leith Walk. A man has since appeared in court charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism. Lewis Hawkes, 36, made no plea and was remanded in custody. Demonstrators sat on the road in Leith Walk, at the spot where one of the alleged attacks took place, and held a one-minute silence Trams and traffic were stopped before a rally was held in Pilrig Park. Rania Obead, co-convener of Stand Up to Racism, said the aim of the event was to send a message of solidarity to the victims and their families. She said the organisation would work with trade unions, political parties and faith groups to "make sure that everyone in this country feels safe and feels welcome".