Victim's family urges calm amid Belfast riots following fatal stabbing

The family of a 40-year-old man fatally stabbed in Belfast has publicly appealed for calm, condemning the immigration-critical riots that erupted in the Northern Irish capital following the attack. The family issued a statement emphasizing their rejection of the violence.

"We want to make it absolutely clear that the riots last night are not welcome, and that peaceful protest is the only way forward," the statement read. This plea comes as authorities work to contain the unrest and address the underlying tensions sparked by the incident.

A 30-year-old Sudanese man has been remanded in custody for four weeks in connection with the stabbing. He reportedly arrived in the United Kingdom in 2023 and has been granted refugee status. The details of his arrival and status are part of the ongoing investigation and public discourse surrounding the event.

The family's call for peace highlights a desire to separate the criminal act from broader societal issues, urging against responses that could further destabilize the community. Their stance underscores a commitment to non-violent resolution and peaceful expression, even in the face of profound personal tragedy.

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We want to make it absolutely clear that the riots last night are not welcome, and that peaceful protest is the only way forward.