Militant misogynist and pro-rape activist Roosh V has cancelled plans for his supporters to meet up in Glasgow and Edinburgh following public outrage
Pro-rape campaigner Daryush Valizadeh, known as Roosh V, has cancelled plans for his self-described neo-masculinist movement to meet up in 43 countries, including Scotland, at the weekend.
Roosh V announced the cancellation of all his events around the world on a post on his website this morning (Thursday) saying he could no longer “guarantee the safety or privacy” of the men who want to attend.
A number of protests had been arranged to take place at meet-ups in Glasgow and Edinburgh on Saturday against his Return of Kings group. A petition against Roosh V being allowed to promote his hateful violent views in Scotland also received over 56,000 signatures.
Cat Boyd of the left wing alliance RISE who set up the petition on the 38 degrees website told TFN the u-turn showed people power does work.
She added: "I'm so proud of everyone in Scotland and beyond joining together to oppose these men who hate women. This is real people power, and we can change things for the better when we stand up to bullies like Roosh V."
I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend
Roosh V's post read: "I can no longer guarantee the safety or privacy of the men who want to attend on February 6, especially since most of the meetups can not be made private in time.
"While I can’t stop men who want to continue meeting in private groups, there will be no official Return Of Kings meetups.
"The listing page has been scrubbed of all locations. I apologize to all the supporters who are let down by my decision."
Facebook groups set up to arrange counter demonstrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh suggest thousands of people were willing to protest against Roosh V on Saturday night.
Groups from Edinburgh University Feminist Society to the Scottish Defence League had called on people to gather on Saturday to oppose anyone in attendance of Roosh V’s events.
Roosh V himself tweeted he had received more threats from Glasgow that anywhere else combined and asked his followers if it was “some kind of convict resettlement zone”.
People were outraged at his views which included making rape legal when carried out on private grounds.
He had said Saturday’s events were strictly for heterosexual men and he urged those attending to film and send footage of any “crazy feminists” that show up so that “so we can tear them up”.
Police Scotland had issued a warning that any “offensive or threatening behaviour" at the events or made online would be investigated after noticing comments made on social media
The statement read: "The comments that have featured on social media and the internet have caused a great deal of anxiety to communities. It must be stressed that any offensive or threatening behaviour whether in public or online will be investigated and appropriate action taken.
"Police Scotland will continue to monitor social media and investigate any criminality that is identified. Our message is clear, sex without consent is rape.”
