Amnesty calls on John Swinney to stand up to 'authoritarian' Donald

The National

2 days ago

The organisation has written to First Minister John Swinney calling on him to stand firm against authoritarian practices and defend the principles of universal human rights and international justice when he meets the US president later this week.
The Scottish Government has said plans are being put in place for the FM to meet Trump during his visit to Scotland between July 25 and July 29.
Amnesty has warned that the meeting will be a serious test of the Scottish Government's stated commitment to human rights, both at home and internationally.
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The letter said: "This meeting will be a major test of the Scottish Government's commitment to global justice, one which [you must] meet with a resolve to defend universal human rights and to stand against the authoritarian practices of the Trump Administration."
Amnesty noted that the Trump Administration's sweeping attacks on civic space, refugee and migrant rights, the rule of law, women's rights, racial justice, and LGBT+ protections have fuelled human rights crises and emboldened anti-rights leaders and movements.
It said the First Minister must be prepared to challenge those practices when the two meet.
(Image: Suzanne Plunkett/PA Wire) The letter goes on: 'You have said in recent days that it is in Scotland's interest for you meet with the president. It is in Scotland's interest that political leaders reject the president's anti-rights agenda and stand firm against authoritarian practices."
Liz Thomson, Amnesty International's Scotland programme director said if Scotland wants to be seen as a "principled global actor", Swinney's priority should be challenging the "serious human rights violations" of the Trump administration.
'President Trump's administration has fully embraced authoritarian tactics while furthering an anti-rights agenda – no UK leader should be rolling out the red carpet to welcome him," she said.
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'If the Scottish Government wants to be seen as a principled global actor, warm words on human rights must translate into action – especially in high-stakes moments like this.
'The First Minister's priority during his visit should be to directly challenge the serious human rights violations the Trump administration is responsible for, and to ensure that those who wish to peacefully protest are fully able to without fear of heavy-handed policing.
'This meeting will be a major test of the First Minister's commitment to human rights and international justice. In a moment of global crisis for these values, the question is whether he will rise to the occasion or remain silent in the face of authoritarian practices.'
The president is due to visit Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen and Trump Turnberry in Ayrshire during his stay.
Police Scotland has said it will require the biggest operation since the death of Queen Elizabeth.
There has been no official confirmation of where the president is planning to be on each day of his visit.
However, The Sand Bothy, a voluntary run facility operated by Belhelvie Community Trust, said it will not have access to Balmedie Country Park from July 28 to 30, suggesting Trump will visit his Turnberry golf course in Ayrshire first.
Multiple US military aircraft were spotted flying over Torry Battery at the entrance to Aberdeen Harbour on Tuesday.