Latest news with #AamerAnwar
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
New police figures show shock rise in race hate crime in Scotland
A report by Police Scotland shows that hate crime is on the increase across the country and at a three year high. Record numbers of people across Scotland are falling victim to hate crimes. Shock new figures from Police Scotland show cases of racial and religious abuse have risen sharply in the past three years. However the vast majority of reported crimes now involve what police term a "racial aggravator." Yesterday anti racism campaigners laid the blame for the increase on the far right and political leaders like Nigel Farage who they accuse of stirring up anti immigration sentiments. In 2022 there were 3838 recorded hate crimes where race was a factor, that rose to 3937 in 2023, and 4953 last year. In the first two months of 2025 there were 738 race related crimes reported to police. Among the regular victims of hate crimes are emergency workers. Figures for last year show 59 attacks on First Responders where racial or religious abuse was involved and 15 in the first two months of this year. Leading human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar has no doubt where the blame rises for the increase in reported hate crime. He said:"Sadly, the statistics come as no surprise, when demonising migrants and minorities is now routine for so many politicians and sections of our media. "The likes of Trump and Farage have empowered the racists and far-right, to think they can abuse with impunity." Robina Qureshi of Glasgow based anti racism charity Positive Action in Housing added: "I'm not surprised to see a rise in reported hate crimes – if anything, I'm surprised the numbers aren't even higher. "Nigel Farage lied about the billions we'd save for the NHS if we left the EU. "Now he's back, pointing the finger at refugees and Muslims, hoping we forget who really gutted this country. "We are living through a period of growing economic hardship and political instability, and history shows that in times like these, marginalised communities – particularly Muslims, immigrants and racial minorities – are often scapegoated." Robina then added:"The figures from Police Scotland are just the tip of the iceberg. "We know that around 75 percent of people who experience racism don't report it to the police. "Many people simply don't believe the justice system will protect them or take their complaints seriously. "To rebuild that trust, we need to see real accountability. "That means robust enforcement of hate crime laws, meaningful convictions that show perpetrators will be held responsible, and urgent action to clamp down on social media platforms that spread misinformation and incite racial hatred. "If we don't address both the root causes and the platforms that amplify hate, these numbers will continue to rise – and with them, the danger to the communities most affected." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The rise in crime figures follows the introduction of new hate crime legislation last year by the then First Minister Humza Yousaf. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act became law in April 2024. In the first month alone 462 hate crimes were recorded - a 50 percent increase on April 2023 when 307 complaints were made to police. The following month the number of reports rose to 518 up on the previous years figure of 391. The highest monthly number of complaints since the new law came in was 553 last August up from 366. In the first ten months of the new law there were 4794 hate crimes - more than 2022 and 2023. The Police Scotland report, released under Freedom of Information, also gives a breakdown of the different types of crime where hate crime and racial and religious abuse happens. Hate Crimes are most common where the victim is the subject of threatening or abusive behaviour or the alleged perpetrator is accused of stirring up hatred. However hate crimes have also been recorded against people accused of assault, robbery, domestic abuse, stalking, burglary, shoplifting, arson, knife carrying, vandalism and even offences against children and animals. A Police Scotland spokesperson said:"Hate crime has no place in our society. It will not be tolerated and targeting anyone because of who they are is deplorable. Everyone has a right to live safely as their true and authentic selves, without fear of prejudice. "Continuing to tackle hate crime remains a priority for Police Scotland officers and we treat people who bravely come forward with sensitivity, respect and dignity. "We understand it can be hard for people to report a hate crime, and in some cases to even recognise or acknowledge that they have been a victim. "Some people have been exposed to hate crimes for weeks, months or even years before they are able to report. "Anyone who has been a victim of hate crime should report it Police Scotland and every complaint will be professionally and robustly investigated." There was also an increase last year in the number of religious hate crimes . Police Scotland recorded 572 cases in 2024 compared 477 the previous year. There were also 75 reports in the first two months of this year.
Glasgow Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
New TV series lifts lid on Glasgow law firm's fight for families
That night, in 1991, changed his life. He successfully raised a civil action against the police, switched from mechanical engineering to law, and now heads up one of the UK's leading human rights law firms. Last year, he and his team in Glasgow pulled back the curtain on their day-to-day work for the docuseries, The Firm. Aamer Anwar (Image: STV Studios) Now, it's back on BBC Scotland for series two – slimmed down to just three episodes, this time, as Aamer and staff focus on representing victims whose cases speak directly to major societal issues. 'This series is more raw,' nods Aamer. 'The type of work we do is deeply traumatic for the families, and I think more of that comes across in this series. 'For some of them, the fight has been going on for a long, long time. I think what the show does is let people see the impact that has on the families. We can't get that across in a 30-second soundbite outside court. 'The show is a platform that raises awareness of their campaigns, gets their voices heard, shows the extent of the lies, obstruction and cynicism often faced in the fight for justice.' Aamer Anwar with the family of Katie Allan (Image: STV Studios) He adds: 'And, I think, it gives people hope that someone, at least, is listening.' The first episode, available on BBC iPlayer, focused on Margaret Caldwell, mother of murdered Glasgow woman Emma Caldwell, as she tries to secure a public inquiry into police handling of her daughter's murder. In 2024, Iain Packer was jailed for life with a minimum of 36 years for killing Emma and it emerged during his trial that Packer had been accused of rape and violent attacks on dozens of women as far back as 1990, but police had failed to act. (Image: PA) Episode two, on BBC Scotland tonight (June 24) sees Aamer set his sights on abolishing crown immunity laws which prevent institutions like the Scottish Prison Service being held criminally responsible for deaths in custody. The bereaved families of Katie Allan and William Lindsay, who both took their own lives at a young offenders' institution, talk to Aamer in a bid to pursue a major change in the law that could bring a degree of justice and possibly help to save lives in the future. The final episode in the series focuses on several asylum cases being handled by The Firm's immigration team. (Image: STV Studios) As well as a behind-the-scenes look at the tactical manoeuvres, setbacks and controversies involved in lengthy legal proceedings, The Firm, which is produced by STV Studios Factual, examines Aamer's personal motivations for taking on such challenging and unrelenting cases. 'People ask us how we can keep going but the answer is that we get inspiration from these families,' says Aamer. 'The people we feature in this series are inspirational, especially the mothers. Mothers are a force of nature. They never give up.' He adds: 'This series will show you the families we are honoured to work with, who symbolise what justice should be about, not a gentleman's club, not the vanity of wigs and gowns, but ordinary people who demand justice as a right and not a privilege. 'No lawyer should ever be afraid to raise their voice for the truth and I hope The Firm shows that is exactly what we fight to do.' All episodes of The Firm are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer and the series continues tonight at 9pm on BBC Scotland.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Cole Cooper's family hire top lawyer to help them find answers over his disappearance
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE GRIEVING family of a teenager found dead weeks after he vanished has hired human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar to help in their bid for answers. Cole Cooper had been missing for four weeks after disappearing from Banknock near Falkirk at the start of last month, and his body was discovered weeks later. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Cole Cooper was missing for four weeks after vanishing from Banknock 5 Over 300 people attended a vigil in his honour last week Credit: PA 5 His body was found in the woods in Banknock on Friday, June 6 Credit: John Kirkby This week Cole's devastated mum claimed her family have been 'left in the dark' by police. Wendy Stewart also claimed there had been a 'lack of consistency and transparency' around the investigation. Since then the family have called in top lawyer Aamer Anwar to represent them and help them get the answers they need. Mr Anwar said: 'It's clear that Cole's mother has very deep concerns, and I hope very much that in the coming days or weeks that the police will leave no stone unturned in their investigation and respond to a grieving mother who has every right to answers, whatever they may be.' Cole, who went missing in early May, was found dead in a wooded area of Banknock on June 6. Despite a post-mortem, the cause of death remains unexplained - leaving his family desperate for answers as enquiries continue. I hope very much that in the coming days or weeks that the police will leave no stone unturned in their investigation and respond to a grieving mother Aamer Anwar A major search was launched to find Cole with specialist units, drones, divers and helicopters all called in. But sadly, his body was found in the woods in Banknock near Kilsyth Road. Cole's death is being treated as 'unexplained' and extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. Detectives are continuing to piece together Cole's last movements with CCTV reviews and house-to-house enquiries. Mum of missing Scots teen Cole Cooper, 19, reveals living 'nightmare' in heartbreaking interview over his disappearance He was seen on CCTV around 6am on Sunday, 4 May, on Cumbernauld Road in Longcroft. On Sunday, hundreds of family members and friends gathered at a vigil to pay their respects to the teen. Detective Chief Inspector Bob Williamson said: 'We are carrying out significant enquiries into Cole's death, however, at this time there is no evidence of any third-party involvement. 'It is vital that we establish the full circumstances leading up to Cole's death so that we can provide some answers to his family. 'The thoughts of everyone involved in this investigation are very much with his family and friends, and officers will continue to offer them support and keep them informed as our enquiries progress.' 5 Cole's mum Wendy Stewart is said to have 'very deep concerns' Credit: DAVE JOHNSTON
Glasgow Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Frankie Boyle backs demonstration in Glasgow this weekend
The comedian and the former first minister are among those supporting the Stand Up to Racism rally to mark World Refugee Day. Refugee rights organisations, the STUC trade union federation, eight national unions, the National Union of Students, anti-war activists and advocacy groups are gathering for a rally, followed by a march and then an event in the Old Fruitmarket on Saturday. (Image: SRC) READ NEXT: Thousands expected for march and rally to support refugees in Glasgow Among the speakers will be Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer. He said: 'With the rise of the far right and Reform in the UK, fascist ideas once relegated to the gutter are treated as mainstream ideas, feted by the media. 'We have no alternative but to fight back, to counter every hate-filled racist lie and to defend our communities. We have won before and will do so again, but I feel the stakes have never been higher.' Scottish singer Iona Fyfe will be performing at the Old Fruitmarket among other acts. The organisers say the demonstration calls for' an end to the scapegoating of refugees and migrants, safe routes for those seeking asylum, an end to the deportations the Labour government is ramping up and to lift the ban that prevents asylum seekers from working'. Mohammad Asif, Afghan Human Rights Foundation director, said: 'Refugees are the direct result of injustice and illegal wars and illegal invasions. 'We are the victims of profound injustices. We are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions. 'The far right are attempting to seize the 'grooming gangs' issue to stir up Islamophobia, racism and division and we need to come together to fight this cancer in our society.' READ NEXT:Police complain Sheku Bayoh sign at Kelvingrove Museum is 'biased' Robina Qureshi, director of Positive Action in Housing, said: 'The Prime Ministers' recent anti-immigration rhetoric echoes the far right—blaming refugees and migrants for the consequences of political failure. 'Migrants are not the problem. They are our family members, our friends, neighbours, co-workers, carers, and part of the communities that keep this country going. 'This government could fix the housing crisis, fund public services, and support working people—but instead, it scapegoats the vulnerable and fans the flames of racism. We will stand united to resist this politics of fear and division.'
The Herald Scotland
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
The Firm 2 review: Is this the real Aamer Anwar? I think it is
*** At the start of this new docu-series about the life and work of the lawyer Aamer Anwar, the man himself says to someone off camera: 'It's almost like a Line of Duty episode.' I have no idea why he says that because nothing here is like a Line of Duty episode, unless you count Anwar's affection for Martin Compston-style waistcoats. The second series is a world away from the first. Where that was a tonally bizarre mix of the serious and the silly, the new run plays it straight down the line. Cheerio to Sex and the City and Suits, hello The Handmaid's Tale and Panorama. But is it better for it? It is certainly shorter. As a stark illustration of its slimmed-down self, The Firm has gone from eight episodes to three. Series two brings together some of the high-profile cases Aamer Anwar & Co have dealt with in recent years, including the death in police custody of Sheku Bayoh. Other cases include Margaret Caldwell's fight for an inquiry into the handling of her daughter Emma's murder investigation, and the deaths of Katie Allan and William Lindsay in Polmont Young Offenders Institute. Read more It is impossible to imagine what these families have been through, but The Firm fills in some of the details with care and compassion. Sometimes it's the little things that speak loudest, like Katie's mum bringing the dog with her into meetings. It's a comfort to her to have the dog there, but would other firms be so understanding? The same point about small details applies to Anwar himself. Last time, he was a flash lawyer about town, stopping off at his tailors to order new suits, or slo-mo walking to the office like some pop star in a video. Here he rocks up to Margaret Caldwell's door with an inside out Sainsbury's carrier bag in place of a briefcase. She welcomes him in (as does the dog, Teddy) like he's one of the family. You can't fake that level of closeness. Likewise the moments when emotions are running high and only a hug will do. There is no such thing as 'good news' in this corner of the law. None of the families featured want to be in this position. But there is a sense of pride in standing up for those no longer here, and that comes across loud and clear. Besides the families and Anwar we hear from a much wider spectrum of contributors, from a former detective who worked on the Emma Caldwell investigation, to academics. There is a long look, too, at the work of the asylum and immigration department. The new faces bring a much-needed sense of freshness to otherwise familiar material, much of it taken from news bulletins. Another big change from the first series: we don't hear from the junior members of staff. They appear in meetings and at court, but not a peep is heard. That's a real pity. I'd hate to think they were paying the price for some of the dafter editorial decisions in series one. By and large, this new series gets the balance right between personal and legal, and is more sombre for it. Will there be a third series? I'd say the odds were against, not least because the law works so slowly it will be a long time before there is something new to say, but who knows? By that time, the juniors here might be running a firm of their own.
