Belfast Anti-Racism Rally Draws 20,000 After 23 Arrests Over Week of Violence
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Belfast Anti-Racism Rally Draws 20,000 After 23 Arrests Over Week of Violence
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Summary
Up to 20,000 people joined Belfast's "Together Against Hate" rally on Saturday, filling roads around City Hall in a show of support for refugees and ethnic minorities after days of disorder.
The violence followed the wide circulation of footage from Monday's north Belfast knife attack, which left Stephen Ogilvie seriously injured; a 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder.
Police said 23 people have been arrested so far, with 17 charged, five bailed and one case sent to prosecutors, after attacks on homes, businesses and vehicles across parts of the city.
Speakers from political parties, trade unions and community groups said volunteers and frontline workers had protected frightened families, while some criticized police and Northern Ireland's institutions for leaving local groups to coordinate the response.
The rally, alongside a smaller protest in Londonderry, aimed to reclaim Belfast's image after anti-immigrant unrest that also forced school, shop and transport disruptions across Northern Ireland.