Green Party leader Zach Polanski has blamed anti-Muslim rhetoric from politicians and public figures, including Elon Musk, following a series of attacks in Edinburgh that left five Muslim men injured.In a post on X, Polanski said: “Let’s be very clear that the vile anti-Muslim hatred of politicians and their fellow billionaire @elonmusk creates the conditions for this kind of vile attack.”He also expressed his solidarity with the victims and Muslim communities affected by the attacks, writing: “Solidarity with all those affected and Muslim communities in Edinburgh and beyond.”
His comments came after a 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with multiple incidents across the Scottish capital on June 19.
Scottish police have since charged the suspect, and counter-terrorism officers are investigating the attacks as possible hate crimes.The violence began in the Sighthill area of Edinburgh on Friday evening, where two men were injured and taken to hospital. According to the Scottish Mosque Association, the victims were leaving the Broomhouse Mosque when they were attacked, The Guardian reported.Police later received reports of further assaults in other parts of the city, including Telford Road and Leith Walk.
Three other men were allegedly attacked during the incident.The five victims, aged between 22 and 39, suffered a range of injuries. Three of them required hospital treatment, although police said none of the injuries were life-threatening.Officers arrested the suspect at around 9.30pm after confronting him in the city. Social media footage appears to show the incident circulating online, with one video showing a shirtless man holding a long weapon and another showing a suspect being restrained by police.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attacks, saying the suspect appeared to be motivated by hatred against Muslims.Starmer wrote on X: “It is absolutely horrific. No one should have to face violence on our streets. I will not tolerate this. He will face the full force of the law.”
