ATUC media statement on the killing of Anas Al Sharif

Aberdeen TUC unequivocally condemns the unlawful killing of Anas Al Sharif and four other journalists by the apartheid Israeli State. 

This is yet another war crime that will hopefully one day see Netanyahu and his fellow war criminals held to account in the International Criminal Court. 

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), since October 2023, at least 195 innocent journalists and media workers (including 180 Palestinians) have been killed or seriously injured carrying out their professional duties whilst based in Palestine. 

Aberdeen TUC Secretary Kate Ramsden said, “This is a horrific targeted attack on journalists just doing their job. We call upon both our Scottish and UK Governments to condemn these killings and to ensure that there is a thorough investigation by the International Criminal Court into these war crimes committed against journalists and media workers. 

"We believe it is essential that journalists and other media workers are protected from the threats of violence and other crimes. That helps to ensure the protection of freedom of expression for us all."

Counter-protest takes message of solidarity and hope to Peterhead to challenge far right

Aberdeen trades union council activists were joined by Disabled People Against the Cuts (DPAC) and other union and community activists to stand against the far right rally in Peterhead on Saturday 9 August.

In a symbolic protest that demonstrated clear opposition to the far right's racism and messages of hate against vulnerable groups, counter protesters gathered to give out leaflets highlighting that migrants are not to blame for austerity and the cost of living crisis. 

Passers-by were mostly welcoming and willing to hear our own message that it is the richest and government policy to blame for cuts to public services, the problems in the NHS and growing poverty in communities. There are now 150 billionaires in the UK who have amassed more and more wealth as the rest of us have got poorer. They are the ones to be targeted - not vulnerable people fleeing war and oppression in the hopes of safety. 

URGENT CALL TO ACTION - Protest the far right in Peterhead and Aberdeen on Sat 9 Aug

Aberdeen Trades Union Council is making an URGENT CALL TO ACTION to all our delegates, trade union members and associates. We have learned that the far right will be holding demonstrations in Peterhead AND Aberdeen this Saturday 9 August, both at 12 noon. It is imperative that we mobilise against them and challenge their narrative of hate and racism. 

In Peterhead, the so-called Peterhead United has organised a "family friendly" event. They will be condemning council cuts as do we, but will be turning their hatred on the wrong people. We need to turn out in force to tell them and their supporters that it is not the fault of immigrants and other marginalised groups. It is the rich amassing more and more of the wealth that are to blame.

Please join our counter protest in Peterhead and show the far right that we stand united and steadfast to condemn racism in Scotland and across the world. Their rhetoric is designed to justify exploitative economies and attacks on the most vulnerable and we will oppose them at every turn. 

In Aberdeen the target will once again be a hotel that houses refugees and asylum seekers. This is shameful. We must challenge their hateful presence and their attacks on vulnerable people. If you can't make it to Peterhead please join the counter protest in Aberdeen.

Please URGENTLY pass this information on to your branches also and urge your members and activists to mobilise to one of these counter protests. It has never been more important to stand up and be counted!