Loyalist racists attempt to disrupt parade

A Bloody Sunday commemoration parade in Scotland on Saturday
narrowly avoided erupting into serious violence after loyalists
waving Union flags and giving Nazi salutes hurled bottles and
abuse at marchers.

Up to 400 loyalists turned out to oppose a parade to mark the day
of January 30, 1972, when members of the British army's Parachute
Regiment gunned down 13 nationalists during a civil rights
demonstration. A 14th victim dying of his wounds in June that
year.

Hundreds of police officers were mobilised after Scottish
loyalists, some waving Union flags and giving Nazi salutes, lined
the parade route through Glasgow city centre.

The parade was held up for 30 minutes after police expressed
concern about the clothing worn by some of the loyalists.

After the march began, participants were subjected to a volley of
racist and sectarian chants from loyalist demonstrators, while
several bottles were thrown.

Gerry Duddy, whose brother Jackie was among those killed on
Bloody Sunday, spoke at the weekend commemoration.

Mr Duddy last night said it had been a frightening experience for
those who took part, but praised the restraint of the marchers.

"At one point, there were bottles, glasses and various other
things being thrown at the marchers," he said.

"However, despite the provocation, there was little reaction from
the marchers and this ensured that things stayed relatively
peaceful. The organisers also deserve praise for how well the
parade was marshalled."

Local police confirmed that 11 people had been arrested for
offences including breach of the peace, assault, and possession
of a knife.

Jim Slaven, of the march organiser Cairde na hEireann, said the
marchers had behaved in a dignified manner.

"That's what we would expect. People on the parade behaved with
great dignity and respect. It was a peaceful march from our point
of view," he said.