Later this week, the Northern Ireland Assembly is set to reconvene to address the violent fallout from an anti-immigration rally in Belfast. Saturday’s unrest resulted in several businesses being attacked, with owners noting that the Islamic community was particularly singled out.
Four men made court appearances on Monday relating to charges associated with the violence. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) revealed on Monday evening that they were monitoring online posts encouraging further protests around Northern Ireland in the forthcoming week.
The PSNI also disclosed they were handling ongoing disturbances in the Donegall Road area late on Monday and advised residents to steer clear of the Donegall Road and Sandy Row districts.
Michelle O’Neill, the First Minister, and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly reiterated that there is no rationale for racism, violence, or intimidation as witnessed on Saturday.
Both Little-Pengelly and O’Neill made a stance against the disorder by having a meeting with the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn on Monday. Both agreed that a robust, collaborative resistance to all violence and disorder is crucial.
The Assembly is set to reconvene on Thursday afternoon due to a recall petition initiated by the Alliance Party and endorsed by the SDLP and Sinn Féin, states Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots.
The Assembly will address a proposition condemning the recent “criminal damage and targeting of businesses”.
The leaders also urge Ministers O’Neill and Little-Pengelly to finalise and present the draft Refugee Integration Strategy, its associated Thematic Delivery Plan and the updated Race Relations Order to the Executive. Furthermore, they’re to illustrate the replacement process of the Racial Equality Strategy 2015/25 by 2024’s end.
The duo had previously consulted with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and pledged their full backing. They vowed to foster a harmonious and inclusive society.
The stance against racism and senseless destruction must be uncompromisingly stringent, with no individual ever forced to exist in a state of constant dread or threat of violence. Any information relevant to these matters is encouraged to be communicated to the PSNI.
Naomi Long, the justice minister at Stormont, expressed great distress about the incidents, depicting some individuals as fearful of stepping out of their homes due to their ethnic background. The police spent considerable resources to manage a long standoff between anti-Muslim protesters and participants of an anti-racism march at Belfast City Hall, with items like fireworks and other projectiles being hurled around.
The authorities managed to thwart an effort by demonstrators to progress towards the Belfast Islamic Centre, although occasional violent episodes occurred in diverse parts of the town. In the ensuing chaos, three police officers were hurt and the PSNI has announced its intent to handle those involved by imposing the full weight of the law.
Ms. Long, in her discussion with the press on Monday, voiced her deep distress about the situation. She stated that such events tarnish our image globally but also harm our community at the grassroots level. She mentioned the plight of people in Belfast who avoid venturing outdoors due to fear of being a victim of an attack, because of their ethnicity, their faith, or their perceived origin.
She firmly condemned such forms of xenophobia, racism, and prejudice. Ms. Long stressed that such behaviour escalates into a grave matter when it incites violence, not only for the department of justice but also for the police force.
She cautioned anyone eyeing Northern Ireland as a potential ground for rioting to be ready to face the legal ramifications of their actions. There will be a relentless pursuit for their unlawful actions. She affirmed that there are no exceptions for anyone looking to engage in such disruptive activities in Northern Ireland.
She further highlighted the need for community solidarity in Northern Ireland against such incidents. She called out for guidance from the PSNI, political heads, and community leaders to convey the message that such behaviours are unwelcome in the streets of Belfast.
“We have fallen victim to acts of aggression over the years, the detrimental effects of which are not lost on us. It’s our responsibility to empathise with those who are being exposed to such bullying and intimidation. All of us need to assert that this is unacceptable in our Northern Ireland.
“Anyone participating in such acts, irrespective of whether they’re local or international, will be held liable.”
Previously, Ms Long had shared on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme her observation of preparations for another round of violence on social media.
“This repetition of extreme prejudice against Islam, xenophobia, and hatred on our streets is not sustainable. People are entitled to their views on immigration but they should be based on correct information. The radicalisation of individuals online fuelled by incorrect information and outright deception is alarmingly dangerous.
“I am confident that any areas of improvement in policing activity will be identified and addressed.”
Chairman of the Policing Board Mukesh Sharma painted a somber picture of the Belfast violence as “extremely disheartening and unsettling”.
“In unison with the board, we denounce all those who participated in this chaos, and we wholeheartedly support the police’s commitment to holding all those involved accountable,” he added.
“Hate has no room in our society. It is our collective responsibility to reassure the community that the violent actions of a handful of people do not reflect our society as a whole.
“I am appreciative of the increased police outreach during this period to communities affected and concerned, and I also hope that all police personnel who were injured during the disturbance recover quickly.”
Glyn Roberts, the CEO of Retail NI, described the attacks as vile and underscored the need for them to be denounced. “Racism has no place amongst us and the perpetrators of these attacks must face justice. Our hearts go out to the business owners and employees enduring such a harrowing ordeal.
“We anticipate that the police will glean insights from the previous weekend to prevent such repugnant racially motivated attacks on business owners in the future.”