Belfast City Hall Hosts Thousands for Anti-Racism Rally After City Disorder
Thousands of people gathered at Belfast City Hall on Saturday for an anti-racism rally organised by United Against Racism. This demonstration followed a week of sustained violence in the city, which resulted in homes, businesses, and vehicles being targeted.
The disorder was instigated by the widespread sharing of footage on social media depicting a knife attack in North Belfast on Monday night. The victim sustained serious injuries, and a man has since been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.
The "Together Against Hate" rally commenced at approximately 13:00, with participants chanting: "Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here. Who is Belfast? We are Belfast." Roads were closed to accommodate the large crowd, which included representatives from various political parties and trade unions. Banners displayed messages such as "Strike back against racism," "Refugees welcome," and "Riots don't speak for Belfast."
Speaker Ivanka Antova condemned the recent events, highlighting the distress of families and children forced to flee their homes. She stated, "There is nothing legitimate about racist pogroms, and racism has no place in our city." Antova also criticised "rich and powerful people" for their use of online platforms. Solidarity was extended to the victim of the knife attack and to the hundreds of volunteers who provided aid and reassurance to affected communities.
Carmel Gates from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions commended healthcare workers, firefighters, bus drivers, and teachers for their support. Gates conveyed a message to a government minister: "The only practical thing that Westminster can do is provide money to tackle the poverty that fuels racism." She also directed a strong message to the far right, stating, "get out of our communities."
Several speakers voiced criticism of the police and Northern Ireland's political institutions, asserting that the coordinated response to the violence and intimidation was largely left to refugee women and local groups. A similar anti-racism protest simultaneously took place at Londonderry's Guildhall.
Hadi Alodid, 30, originally from Sudan, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie in connection with Monday's knife attack.
