The Republic’s anti-immigration activists have received cautionary advice against participating in protests taking place in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Justice has issued a stark warning that any step out of line will not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Justice Minister, Helen McEntee, made her position clear in a social media statement on Platform X. She emphasised the collaborative efforts of the Gardaí and the PSNI to identify and call to account those who disrupt the peace.
Charges have been levelled against four men by the police following violent incidents that occurred after an anti-immigration rally in Belfast on the weekend.
The Justice Minister disclosed her communication with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Stormont Justice Minister, Naomi Long, stressing Dublin’s full support to Northern Ireland in the wake of the violence and overt acts of racism that marred the weekend.
Inquiries are ongoing and initial findings reveal the presence of several notable right-wing instigators from Dublin at Saturday’s rally in Belfast that escalated into violence. There were targeted assaults on many businesses, particularly those owned by members of the Islamic community.
The police responded with an extensive security operation to manage the tense standoff between anti-Islamic protestors and participants of an anti-racist rally at Belfast City Hall. Despite their efforts, explosive devices were launched causing chaos and violence.
Police took control of the situation preventing protestors from moving towards the Belfast Islamic Centre. Nonetheless, incidences of violence flared up around the city. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) dealt with the violence, stating that the perpetrators would face the full wrath of the law.
Monday will see four men fronting the Belfast Magistrates’ Court on charges related to the violent occurrences. Charges of resisting police and disorderly conduct have been brought against a 53-year-old and a 46-year-old man. Charges for a 38-year-old include possession of a weapon with malicious intent, unlicensed possession of fireworks and riotous behaviour. A 34-year-old man has also been charged with participation in an unauthorised public procession.
According to Naomi Long, any operational shortcomings from the weekend’s incidents will be scrutinised and valuable lessons learned by PSNI.
In an interview with BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme, she stressed that individuals have dedicated their lives to establish businesses and serve the community have had their sources of income obliterated due to one night of horrifying violence. This must cease, she insisted.
She also highlighted worrying signs on social platforms indicating plans for another wave of violence this week.
She categorically stated that there’s no room for the perpetuation of Islamophobia, xenophobia and intense hatred on the streets. People are entitled to their views on immigration, however, it is vital that these views be well-informed. Currently, we are witnessing the radicalisation of individuals online due to the propagation of false information and blatant deceit. This situation is alarmingly dangerous.
She was confident that any required adjustments in the policing strategy, based on the lessons learned from this event, will definitely be implemented.
Mukesh Sharma, the chairman of the policing board, labelled the disturbances in Belfast as intensely disheartening and unsettling. He asserted that there is an urgent need to reassure the community that the violent acts of the minority do not define our society.