Equalities watchdog questions racial justice

A shocking new report by the Scottish branch of the UK Equality and Human Rights Commission reveals that over 6000 racially motivated crimes were recorded in Scotland last year. This amounts to an average of one incident  every hour of every day of the year. Perhaps the more alarming data is that  according to the report published today is that almost half of those crimes are committed by those under 21, highlighting a generation of young racists.

Today the Scottish EHRC spokesperson speaking to the report said 'no attention' was being paid to the reason why people carry out these crimes, and that the findings illustrated that very little was being done to combat racism, as well as homophobia, sexism and other forms of prejudice.

Ashok Viswanathan, Deputy Director of Operation Black Vote commenting on the report said, 'Many of the victims of racist murders had gone to Scotland to make new lives for themselves and their families and to contribute to society.  Others had simply been visiting friends and relatives. That their lives should so cruelly be taken from them, and that they should then also not receive the justice and treatment they deserve is simply shameful'.

Nachhatar Singh Bola [2] was recently murdered by three youths while walking home, his killers receiving reduced sentences due to a lack of evidence of a racial motive. Other murder victims of awaiting justice in Scotland are those of Kunal Mohanty, Surjit Chokar and Simon San.