Updated 13.22 | Published 13.18
Violent protests have rocked Belfast for days on end.
At the same time, demands for calm are growing from politicians who say the violence is racist.
– If you target people because of their skin color, how can you describe it as anything else? says Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
During the night of Thursday, the police used, among other things, water cannons to disperse crowds. At the same time, demands for calm are growing.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and several Northern Irish politicians have condemned the violence. Britain’s Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, describes the events as racist riots and says they have caused great concern among ethnic minorities in the province.
– If you target people because of their skin color, how can you describe it as anything else? It’s racist violence, Benn told Sky News after being asked if the violent scenes should be described as racist riots rather than protests.
He says many people in Northern Ireland now live with palpable fear.
– It is difficult to convey the genuine feeling of fear among ethnic minorities here in Northern Ireland after witnessing these scenes. There are reports of people being stopped in their cars and asked about their nationality, and of nurses feeling anxious on their way to work. This is terrible, he says.
The family: “Completely devastated”
The family of the man who was injured in Monday’s attack has also spoken out.
In a statement, delivered by Phillip Brett of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), they describe how they are “absolutely devastated” by what has happened.
At the same time, they thank the people who intervened during the attack and believe that their quick action probably saved the man’s life. The family also extends special thanks to the emergency services and medical staff for their efforts.
In the statement, the family urges the public to refrain from violence and stresses that peaceful protests are the only way forward. They also stress that they do not want the tragedy to be used to create division or increase hostility towards migrants, who they describe as an important part of Northern Irish society.
It has happened in Belfast
Violent protests and riots: After a knife attack in Belfast, the city has been rocked by violent protests. The demonstrations have degenerated into violence, with fires and stone-throwing at the police. The protests began as a reaction to the knife attack in which a Sudanese man is suspected of attempted murder.
Aimed at immigrants: The demonstrations have had an anti-immigration tone, with rioters targeting homes and vehicles belonging to migrants. This has led to several residential buildings and vehicles being set on fire.
Police response: To deal with the unrest, the police have used water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse the masked protesters. Despite these measures, the violence has continued for several days.
Attack list found: Police have discovered a list on social media of addresses of homes to be attacked, causing widespread concern among Belfast residents. Many families and homeowners have expressed their concern and fear of further attacks.
Spread to other cities: The protests have not only been confined to Belfast but have also spread to other cities such as Londonderry. This has led to further concern and calls for calm from politicians and the police.
