Right wing sparks up violence In Belfast at weekend at anti-immigration protests
Long condemns violence at weekend
Justice Minister Naomi Long has condemned the violence that erupted in Belfast yesterday.
Demonstrations were organised across Northern Ireland yesterday with large disturbances breaking out in Belfast.
The Minister said: “I utterly condemn the violence that we saw yesterday on the streets of Belfast.
“These demonstrations were orchestrated by those motivated by a desire to create fear and division.
“They have no regard for human life and are focused on spreading misinformation and disinformation to alienate some sections of our community.
“This type of disorder needs to be highlighted for what it is – fear-mongering and intimidation of the highest level.
“There can be no place in our community for hate: for xenophobia, racism and Islamophobia. Neither can there be any place for such intimidation and intolerance.
“My thoughts are with all those impacted by this disorder; those whose property was damaged, businesses attacked and who were intimidated, threatened or fearful as a result.
The Minister added: “I particularly commend the PSNI and all those frontline responders who were faced with such a challenging day yesterday.
” I also send my best wishes to the officers who were injured and I hope they make a speedy recovery.
“Thankfully, due to the professionalism and expertise of the PSNI the disruption and violence was controlled and brought to a conclusion without major incident.
“I would also appeal to anyone with information which could assist the police bring those involved in the violence to justice, to contact them on 101.”
Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation)
Community Foundation Joins Voices Condemning Right Wing Violence
The Community Foundation NI has also condemned the violent attacks in Belfast during the weekend.
The Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Róisín Wood, has condemned the scenes of violence and the serious attacks on businesses and communities seen in Belfast over the weekend.
Chief Executive of the Foundation Róisín Wood said: “The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland condemn the scenes of violence and the serious attacks on businesses and communities seen in Belfast over the weekend.
“Many families, women and children in Belfast have been terrorised by these criminal actions and will now be living in fear of future violence.”
“Xenophobia, racism, or islamophobia have no place in our society and violence and destruction have no place in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland.
“We send our support to those affected by this violence, including those businesses and communities that were attacked and intimidated as well as those experiencing ongoing threats.
“It is incumbent on all of our political and community leaders to unite against hate, ensure communities and businesses are protected, and speak with one voice in condemnation of this violence.
“The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland will continue to work with and support communities across Northern Ireland to increase understanding across communities and to help build a society where all cultures and identities are supported, celebrated and included.
“We will be reaching out and continuing to support our grantees across affected areas and communities to offer support and solidarity.”
Retail NI Condemns Racist Attacks on Belfast Businesses
Commenting after this weekend’s attacks on Belfast businesses, Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said: “These attacks are despicable and should be condemned.
“Racism has no place in our community and those behind these attacks should be brought to justice.
“Our thoughts are with the owners and staff of these businesses going through such a traumatic experience.
“We hope that the police will learn lessons from last weekend and ensure that these disgraceful racially-motivated attacks on business owners are prevented in future.”
UPDATE: 16.45pm.
Statement from the First Minister and deputy First Minister on public disorder
The First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have spoken to Chief Constable Jon Boutcher following the recent disorder in Belfast.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly today said:
“While people are entitled to take part in peaceful protest there is no justification for racism or for the violence and intimidation that occurred on our streets on Saturday.
“Today we have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered him our full support and we pledged to work to deliver a shared, peaceful and inclusive society.
“There must be a zero tolerance approach to racism and wanton destruction. Nobody should have to live in fear or threat of violence.
“Again, we would appeal to anyone with information to contact the PSNI.”
