Nazi propaganda sticker in Derry condemned

A racist sticker adorned with Nazi imagery and far-right messaging in Derry has been strongly condemned by Foyle MP Colum Eastwood.

The SDLP Leader called for the entire community to turn their backs against the far-right.

 “The appearance of a sticker with far-right messaging and a Nazi symbol in Derry is a reprehensible act that goes against the principles of tolerance and inclusivity that our city upholds. Such a blatant expression of hate and discrimination has no place in Derry or Ireland and stands in stark contrast to the values of our diverse and tolerant community," he said.

 “As we continue to build a shared Ireland for all, we must stand united against any attempt to spread hatred, prejudice, or division. The far-right racists are not welcome in our city and should be challenged at every opportunity. Through unity and inclusivity, we can root out those who seek to promote hate and division in our city.

 “The people of Derry embrace and welcome everyone who calls this city their home. The entire community stands against this hate.”

The SS Bolts, which feature on the sticker, are a common white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol derived from Schutzstaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. The SS maintained the police state of Nazi Germany. Its members included guards at concentration and death camps.

Following World War II, the SS bolts symbol was adopted by white supremacists and neo-Nazis worldwide. 

Cllr Shaun Harkin said described the propaganda as 'despicable'.

"Neo-Nazi propaganda promoting a racist 'whites-only' message in Derry is despicable and shouldn't be accepted," the People Before Profit councillor said.

"Far-right individuals and fascist groups were behind the recent riots in Dublin and they're intent on whipping up more fear and division.

"Hatred of migrants, Jews and Muslims is steeped into their agenda but so too is hatred of campaigners for women's rights, LGBTQ rights, disability rights and workers rights.

"These are groups who celebrate, make light of or diminish the Holocaust that killed 6 million Jews and millions of others the Nazis viewed as enemies or unfit.

"They are linked with British fascists who campaigned in defence of Soldier F and supported atrocities carried out here by the British Army.

"They are cheerleaders for Israel's US and British government backed genocidal war in Gaza.

"The same individuals attacked healthcare workers and trade unions during the covid pandemic while promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.

"Unfortunately, these pathetic people have sympathisers in the political establishment who are happy to pander to their noxious agenda.

"Instead of challenging the governments, political parties and billionaires responsible for poverty, the housing shortage and the state of public services - the far-right targets asylum seekers, migrant workers and the vulnerable in our communities.

"They're not about more housing, better pay or better funded public services - they're about promoting racism, fear and division. They want communities to turn on each other.

"Decent people should make sure fascists and the far-right aren't tolerated in any shape or form. We want to build inclusive communities empowered to address the root causes of deprivation and focused on fighting for access to quality housing and good public services for all."