DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Belfast: Thousands Denounce Violence at Anti-racism Rally

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Thousands gathered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, for an anti-racism rally to denounce recent violence.
  • The demonstrations followed riots earlier in the week, which were reportedly sparked by a viral video of a knife attack.
  • Protesters condemned right-wing and racist violence, with some holding signs with slogans like "Hate is the only threat to our streets."

An estimated 3,000 people gathered in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, on Saturday for an anti-racism rally. Demonstrators aimed to denounce the violence that had occurred earlier in the week in various parts of the city.

The riots, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, were reportedly triggered by a viral video depicting a knife attack. The suspect in the stabbing, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, has since been charged with attempted murder.

Protesters assembled outside Belfast City Hall, holding placards that condemned the violence. The unrest involved masked individuals setting homes ablaze, torching vehicles, and throwing bottles, bricks, and Molotov cocktails at police. Some signs displayed slogans such as "Hate is the only threat to our streets" and "Belfast stands against racism."

Elaine Crory, a lobbyist from the Women's Resource and Development agency, addressed the crowd, stating, "All it takes is for one person who's not white and local to commit a crime and that fire of racism is rekindled." The mayor of Belfast, Rois-Maire Donnelly, also spoke, emphasizing that a small minority should not be allowed to "spread fear... and hatred." Donnelly revealed she had received death threats during the week.

The article also touches upon the broader context of immigration becoming a contentious issue in the UK, contributing to the rise of the far-right Reform UK party. In Glasgow, Scotland, a separate anti-racism march encountered a small group of men, with some reportedly making Nazi-style salutes. Police stated the Glasgow protest proceeded without major incident.

The violence in Belfast and elsewhere was reportedly sparked by a viral video of a knife attack on a 44-year-old man, who sustained serious injuries. The incident in Northern Ireland followed similar violent protests in Southampton, England, related to police handling of a murder case.

All it takes is for one person who's not white and local to commit a crime and that fire of racism is rekindled.

— Elaine CroryA lobbyist from the Women's Resource and Development agency speaking at the anti-racism rally in Belfast.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog