ANTI-RACISM campaigners have been left appalled by the news that a swastika had been sprayed on the wall of a shop owned by an Asian man.
Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) Edinburgh were appalled by an act of vandalism on a shop in the Leith area, but congratulated the member of the public that covered it with a poster.
The USave shop's owner, Mohammed Raza, told the Edinburgh Evening News that the symbol was put there by "stupid people" but added he said not reported the incident to police.
He added: “Sometimes people come in and abuse you. If you start taking a notice of them, then you would be mentally upset, you know? That’s why I don’t care about all of that."
The symbol was soon covered up by a member of the public who used a poster saying "No place for hate in Leith".
SUTR Edinburgh said that, unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident.
The group said: "Just over a year ago Asian shopkeepers in Niddrie were assaulted and racially abused. Last July a group of youths was reported to have carried out a series of violent attacks and racist abuse against Asian shop workers in Niddrie. We are convinced there are many more such acts that go unreported.
"During the pandemic, we have also come across a number of reports of attacks in our city on people who racists perceive to be of Chinese origin, these acts clearly being inspired by former US President Donald Trump referring to the coronavirus as the 'Kung Flu' and the 'Chinese virus'.
"All of these incidents, sadly, make it abundantly clear that Edinburgh is not immune to racism."
The group called on Edinburgh City Council to consider a motion in support of the UN Anti-Racism Day of Action on March 20.
The motion calls on the council to confirm support for UN Anti-Racism Day.
Steve West, on behalf of SUTR Edinburgh, said: "On Saturday, March 20, events will be taking place in cities, communities and countries via online rallies around the world.
"People will come together across the globe, united against racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and fascism; and stand in solidarity with our residents, and people across the world to convey a powerful, global message of zero tolerance to racism."
SUTR Edinburgh will be holding an online rally on 20 March from 1pm to 2pm, which will be followed by a UK-wide online event at 5pm.
You can find out more information on the online rally HERE.
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