HUMZA Yousaf has condemned reports of a man being assaulted while selling poppies during a pro-Palestine rally.
The incident allegedly occurred as 78-year-old Jim Henderson left Waverley Station in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Hundreds of protesters had been taking part in a demonstration condemning the actions of the Israeli government as the bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza continues.
Henderson told the Scottish Daily Mail that he was punched as he tried to leave the train station after packing up his Poppyscotland stall.
He said: “I was getting shoved backwards, in danger of falling, and one of them stood on my foot and split my toe.
“I thought I had got to get the money out of here. So I went down, and as I bent down someone punched me in the back. And then I got another punch in my side.”
He said he managed to get up and was helped by three women wearing red railway uniforms.
“I’ve never known anything like it,” he said.
"Chanting. Saying it's all about the British government, British people, Jews."
Henderson told the newspaper he had served in the Royal Corps of Signals, 32 Signal Regiment in Northern Ireland..
A spokesperson for Humza Yousaf condemned the alleged incident, but added that it was not discussed during the Cabinet meeting.
“It's not something we've discussed, but obviously we would deprecate any action of that sort and that it would properly be a matter for the police and anybody that indulges in illegality of that sort should properly be a matter for the police and ultimately, potentially prosecution."
British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “Detectives from British Transport Police are investigating a reported assault at Edinburgh Waverley Station on Saturday November 4.
“The incident occurred at approximately 3.30pm during a demonstration at the station.
“Detectives have been investigating the incident since it was reported to police on November 4.”
A Poppyscotland spokesperson said: “While we respect the rights of people to protest within the law, the safety and welfare of our volunteers is of paramount importance.
“One of our volunteers was infringed upon when trying to clear his stall to depart at the usual time of 3.30pm at Waverley Station on Saturday November 4.
“Our volunteer is safe and well, and we thank those that took the time to escort him out of the station.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman said: “This was a repulsive act. Mr Henderson, like all our veterans, has made huge sacrifices for our country.
“We are confident the police will treat this incident very seriously and use the full force of the law available to them.”
