Thousands of anti-racist protesters turn out to counter far-right rallies in the UK

Thousands of anti-racist protesters took to the streets across the United Kingdom to counter far-right rallies targeting immigration centers. This move stopped potential rioting.

After days of violence sparked by lies about a deadly stabbing, police prepared for more unrest on Wednesday. Far-right groups online had planned protests at visa centers and immigration lawyers' offices across over 100 places nationwide.

By early evening, thousands of counter-protesters had gathered in over a dozen cities. They aimed to protect immigration centers from far-right attacks. Chanting "There are many, many more of us than you," the anti-racist demonstrators were supported by a stronger police presence. Far-right supporters were almost nowhere to be seen. This peaceful outcome was a relief for the new Labour government and communities fearing more violence.

Previous far-right protests turned violent, leading to hundreds of arrests. In Walthamstow, East London, the immigration center was boarded up, heavily guarded by police, and surrounded by about three to four thousand counter-protesters. An organizer, speaking through a megaphone, praised the community's turnout, saying, "We have shown them whose streets these really are. These are our streets."

Ahmed Hussain, 31, joined the counter-protesters, saying, "When you don’t, the fascists feel emboldened." He noted the absence of far-right rioters in London, attributing it to the strong support from the community.

The worst violence occurred in northern England. In Rotherham on Sunday, far-right rioters set fire to a hotel housing asylum seekers, with over 200 people inside. Large crowds clashed with police in several cities, shouting "enough is enough" and "get 'em out."

In Sheffield, residents felt scared by the recent violence. Nadeem Akhtar, 18, from Sheffield, said his mother advised him to stay home due to the unrest. On Wednesday, a massive police presence kept far-right protesters and counter-protesters apart. At least three right-wing demonstrators were arrested. As one was taken away, he protested, "I ain’t done nothing. Double standards."