Fascists violently attack activists in Manchester

Fascists attacked the peaceful climate protest (Photo: @climatejustice_coalition, TBT @extinctionrebellion, @xrnorth)

Fascists violently attacked protesters following a climate demonstration in Manchester last Saturday.

“The climate demo took place on the same day as an ‘anti-grooming’ protest—a call against ‘Asian grooming gangs’, an explicitly racist thing,” Jasmine, who was attacked, told Socialist Worker.

“The racists followed us around for an hour and a half, causing the usual problems, intimidating us.

“When a group of us left the climate protest, as a group, they followed us. They cornered us and attacked us, especially the trans+ people, with slurs and made sure that we couldn’t leave.”

The fascists gave three people concussions, and five people had to go to A&E.

This is not the first time fascists have attacked protesters in Manchester.

Fascists have previously attacked trans+ rights protests, Stand Up To Racism stalls, Love Music Hate Racism events and even targeted Muslim women in the street.

“They focus on trans+ people and those they know from anti-racist protests. They are trying to divide these two communities.”

But Jasmine stressed that this “was an escalation—this is the first time they have attacked a group of us like this”.

“They’re getting more confident. The Tommy Robinson protest on 13 September gave them a boost, and the stuff coming from Labour and the refugee clampdown just makes them think they’re right and what they’re doing is working.”

Jasmine said the response is “to get more people on our side”.

“This isn’t just people scrapping. It is the growth of a fascist force, and that clarity is pushing more people to be more involved.

“Some people are worried, but this is proof they have to come out now. People on the climate demo have realised how serious this actually is,” Jasmine added.

“We have our unity rally this Saturday. It’s our chance to tell them refugees are welcome and they are not.”