Thousands rally in Belfast to condemn anti-immigrant rioting that followed stabbing

Thousands gathered in Belfast on Saturday to protest the anti-immigrant rioting that scarred the city earlier in the week. Demonstrators assembled outside Belfast City Hall, denouncing the violence that erupted following a brutal stabbing incident. The unrest saw masked individuals set fire to homes believed to house immigrants, torch a bus, and engage in clashes with police, resulting in over two dozen people losing their homes and 12 officers sustaining injuries.

“

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 Crory, addressing the crowd, stated, "All it takes is for one person who's not white and local to commit a crime and that fire of racism is rekindled." She was among many who carried signs with messages such as, "The problem is evil & violence not race," and "Your racism is not patriotism."

“

The problem is evil & violence not race.

Newlyweds Cara Bell and Matthew Richardson, who joined the peaceful demonstration after witnessing the earlier violence, expressed hope that the rally showcased the true spirit of Belfast. "It's important to note that things like today really show that this is not the general feeling of people in Belfast," Bell said. She described the week as one that "you've seen the worst of humanity and the best of humanity in Belfast."

“

Your racism is not patriotism.

The protests in Northern Ireland followed similar incidents across the UK, with far-right and anti-immigrant groups reportedly inciting unrest. In Glasgow, Scotland, a rally organized by an anti-racism group drew thousands to counter a smaller group displaying Nazi salutes and shouting anti-Muslim chants. The Glasgow anti-racism group responded with chants of "Nazi scum off our streets."

“

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