Thousands rally in Belfast to condemn anti-immigrant rioting

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside Belfast City Hall to denounce the anti-immigrant violence that has plagued the city over the past week. The anti-racism rally followed nights of unrest that erupted after a man was stabbed, an incident blamed on an asylum seeker.

“

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

During the violence, masked men set fire to homes believed to house immigrants, torched a bus, and attacked police with bricks, bottles, and firebombs. The unrest left more than two dozen people homeless and injured 12 police officers. Officials condemned the actions as "thuggery."

Peaceful demonstrators carried signs with messages such as "The problem is evil & violence not race" and "Protect people, not prejudice." Newlyweds Cara Bell and Matthew Richardson, who witnessed the earlier violence, joined the rally after their wedding. "It's important to note that things like today really show that this is not the general feeling of people in Belfast," Ms. Bell said, reflecting on a week that showed "the worst of humanity and the best of humanity."

“

It's important to note that things like today really show that this is not the general feeling of people in Belfast.

Despite calls for calm from officials and the victim's family, figures associated with the far-right have been blamed for inciting protests. These groups are reportedly calling for further anti-immigration demonstrations. Similar disorder was reported in Glasgow, Scotland, where a mosque went into lockdown after attacks targeting minorities. An anti-racism group in Glasgow also rallied thousands to "stand up to the far right."

“

a week where you've seen the worst of humanity and the best of humanity in Belfast