Liverpool, 2 August 2024 – Around 400 anti-racists protected the perimeter of the Abdullah Quilliam mosque against ~80 on their side, including a few young children and a dozen teens.
The mood on our side was buoyant, loud and defiant, whereas theirs was quiet, disorganised and discouraged—apparently a bit stunned by our turnout.
There was a large police presence. The far right numbers dwindled steadily until only a few remained (versus maybe 100 on our side at 10:30pm).
The mosque passed out refreshments, tea and hot sandwiches, which contributed to the overall atmosphere of solidarity and community. Tonight definitely built a lot of momentum going into tomorrow’s rally.
Samira Ali is the national organiser of Stand Up To Racism
Samira Ali in the Guardian yesterday spoke about how anti-racists are organising around the country to unite communities and oppose the fascists this weekend:
Samira Ali, the national organiser for Stand Up to Racism, which is behind many of the counter-protests, said the growing “confidence” of the far-right cannot be “left to fester, or go unopposed”.
Samira Ali, SUTR national organiser in the Guardian
“We’re fighting as hard as possible to get as many people in a coalition around the country to make sure that these protests are opposed,” she said.
“What demoralises [far-right protesters] on the day is people standing together as a broad mass movement and fighting back. The far right might think they’re part of something bigger, but we know that we are in fact the majority, and we’re trying to mobilise that this weekend.”
Join the Stand Up To Racism Unity Rally protests to oppose the far right this weekend
More from Liverpool: Muslim man reportedly stabbed
From Lila Tamea: A Muslim man was stabbed in Crosby, Liverpool today. I’ve just spoken to Meg here at Abdullah Quilliam Mosque. She witnessed a Pakistani man stabbed by a white male at Crosby Train Station – near Southport. Here’s what she said.
