Anti-Israel protesters in Edinburgh face racism charges

Four protesters who tried to disrupt an Israeli music concert in Edinburgh are due to appear in court next month to face racist allegations.

The new accusations on charges of breaching the peace were dropped last month against Michael Napier, 62, Kevin Connor, 39, Niel Forbes, 54, Vanesa Fuertes, 34, and Sofia Macleod, 38.

The case against the four, who are members of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), relates to a demonstration again a performance by the Jerusalem String Quartet in the Scottish capital last August.

The SPSC has reacted strongly against the new charges of allegedly following a racist course of conduct or acting in a racially aggravated manner, while the two men and two women have denied committing any offense.

"We just think it's totally ridiculous. Our actions and campaigning are based on international human rights," Macleod told the Scotsman newspaper. "There is no question whatsoever that any of our actions are racist in any way," she said.

It was claimed the four caused alarm and distress to the musicians and audience by shouting at the players while they were performing at Edinburgh's Queen's Hall.

The protesters, who reportedly numbered several dozen, claimed the musicians were affiliated to the Israeli Army and said they wanted to raise awareness of the plight of Palestinians.

The picket outside the concert hall came after the SPSC lobbied for the performance to be canceled, but organizers and managers of the venue, which is owned by the city council, decided to go ahead with the show.

Napier, who is chair of the SPSC, suggested that the dropping of the original charges as a victory for the campaign, and said he actually welcomed the decision to proceed with more serious charges.

"We will be grateful for the forum to explain that our opposition to the violent, racist state of Israel is motivated by our commitment to human rights for all," he said.