Thousands rally against racism after Belfast unrest
Demonstrators gathered in Belfast and Derry after anti-immigrant violence followed a knife attack that spread online.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
Thousands of people rallied in Northern Ireland on Saturday against racism after anti-immigrant violence in Belfast, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The demonstrations followed unrest triggered by a viral video of a knife attack in the city.
In Belfast, protesters gathered outside City Hall with signs opposing racism and calling for calm, according to Al Jazeera. The Belfast Telegraph reported that a separate anti-racism rally was held at the city hall in Londonderry, also widely known as Derry.
Belfast had seen two nights of disorder and racist violence after footage of Monday night’s knife attack spread on social media, Al Jazeera reported. The video showed a man over another man lying in the street and cutting him with a knife, according to the outlet.
Al Jazeera reported that Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie. Ogilvie remains in hospital, the outlet reported.
Protesters reject anti-immigrant violence
Hilary Hunter, 63, told AFP at the Belfast rally that she joined because she was disgusted by what was happening in Northern Ireland. She said those involved in the anti-immigrant disorder did not speak for the people attending the demonstration.
The Belfast rally was organised by Unite Against Racism, according to AFP. Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International UK, told Al Jazeera that protesters had gathered to send a clear anti-racist message after the violence seen in parts of the city during the week.
Corrigan told Al Jazeera the rally may have been the largest anti-racism demonstration Belfast had seen. He said most people in the city were welcoming to migrants and minorities and wanted them to remain there.
Corrigan also criticised the official response, telling Al Jazeera that authorities had not been ready for the latest unrest. He said it was the third consecutive summer in which racist violence had occurred and that Amnesty had warned Northern Ireland authorities more violence could happen.
Officials condemn intimidation
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said on Thursday that the rioting had created fear, with some people intimidated and forced from their homes by masked attackers because of the colour of their skin, Al Jazeera reported.
Benn also said there had been reports of people being stopped in cars on their way to work and asked about their nationality. He described that as completely unacceptable, according to Al Jazeera.
Seamas de Faoite, a local councillor from the nationalist SDLP party, said people turned out because they were appalled by the racist violence, Al Jazeera reported. He said groups across Belfast had been working to rehouse people who were too frightened to return home.
Al Jazeera reported that immigration remains a contentious issue in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. The outlet said both countries have seen frequent anti-immigration protests in recent years, with some turning violent, and that the issue has helped fuel support for the right-wing Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.