HomeInternational NewsRight-Wing Protesters Vandalize Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers in Rotherham

Right-Wing Protesters Vandalize Hotel Housing Asylum Seekers in Rotherham

Right-wing protesters have vandalized a hotel housing asylum seekers in the northern English town of Rotherham, amid the worst civil unrest in the UK in 13 years. On Sunday, hundreds of people gathered at a Holiday Inn Express, where they threw bricks at police, broke several hotel windows, and set waste bins on fire. Footage from British television station Sky News showed a line of police officers with shields facing a barrage of projectiles, including wooden planks, chairs, and fire extinguishers, as they attempted to prevent the rioters from breaching the hotel.

A police helicopter circled above the scene, and at least one officer, dressed in riot gear, was carried away as the situation escalated. The unrest in Rotherham is the latest episode in a wave of violent riots that have hit the UK following a stabbing incident at a dance class earlier in the week that resulted in the deaths of three girls and left several others injured. According to the police, false rumors spread online claiming that the young man behind the stabbing in Southport was a Muslim and an immigrant, which has fueled right-wing unrest across the country.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Sunday that there is “no justification” for the right-wing violence that has led to attacks on mosques and assaults on Muslims and ethnic minorities. Starmer emphasized that “people in this country have the right to be safe” and that the violent mob does not represent the nation. He has faced criticism for not being clear enough in his condemnation of the overt racism and Islamophobia that characterize some of the attacks. Labour MP Zarah Sultana called on social media for Parliament to be recalled from its summer recess.

Elsewhere in the UK, tensions have also been high. In Middlesbrough, protesters broke through police lines, while in Bolton, near Manchester, a notice was issued to grant police additional powers to handle antisocial behavior. Police report that many of the demonstrations are organized online by unknown right-wing groups mobilizing support through slogans such as “enough is enough,” “save our children,” and “stop the boats.” They capitalize on a narrative—amplified by right-wing media outlets and commentators—regarding the extent of immigration in the country, particularly the thousands of migrants and refugees arriving in small boats from France across the English Channel.

Critics point out that the spread of misinformation and the amplification of xenophobia have led to the current outbreak of violence. Rosa Freedman, a professor at the University of Reading, stated that the riots are a result of the policies of the former Conservative government, which legitimized a small group of “racists.” It should also be noted that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, has played a central role in promoting this type of unrest. He previously led the English Defence League and is now facing an arrest warrant after leaving the UK.

While Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has strongly criticized the violence, he has also been accused of indirectly fostering the anti-immigration sentiment that has been evident in recent days. The anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate condemned attempts to portray the riots as “outbursts of legitimate discontent.”

As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the underlying causes of this violence and to find ways to rebuild trust between the various groups within society.

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