Northern Ireland Far-Right Xenophobic Violence: Thousands Rally Against Racism

Central Message

(Central News Agency, Belfast, 13th - Comprehensive International Report) A stabbing incident in Northern Ireland involving a Sudanese man has sparked far-right anti-immigration violence, causing social unrest. Today, thousands gathered in Belfast to protest against such racist and violent acts.

A video of the stabbing incident went viral on social media on the evening of the 8th, showing a man pinning another to the ground and repeatedly stabbing him. The incident led to two consecutive nights of riots in Belfast.

The Sudanese man suspected of the stabbing appeared in court on the 10th and was charged with attempted murder. The victim, Stephen Ogilvie, remains hospitalized.

Far-right and anti-immigration groups used the incident as justification to launch xenophobic riots for two consecutive nights. Masked individuals set fire to vehicles and houses and blocked roads in Belfast and surrounding areas, causing social unrest.

The rally, organized by 'Unite Against Racism,' aimed to demonstrate 'standing together against hate.' Protesters carried signs reading 'Belfast Against Racism' and 'Hatred Is the Root of Street Unrest.'

Belfast Mayor Rois-Maire Donnelly addressed the crowd, stating that a minority must not be allowed to 'spread fear and hatred.' She revealed she had received death threats earlier this week.

She said: 'You are the Belfast I represent—resilient, empathetic, and inclusive. Our city is stronger because of its diversity.'

Hilary Hunter, 63, told AFP she joined the anti-racism protest because she was 'deeply pained by the current state of affairs in the country.'

'People have gathered here to make a statement: those causing chaos do not represent all of us,' she said.

AFP journalists estimated around 3,000 people attended the protest.

Immigration remains a highly sensitive issue in the UK, contributing to the rise of Nigel Farage's hard-right 'Reform UK' party. (Translation: Chi-Chin Ling) 1150614

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