Anti-racism demonstration held in Belfast city centre

A large crowd gathered in Belfast city centre on Saturday for an anti-racism demonstration.

The Stand Up To Racism rally was held at Belfast City Hall and was separated by police – using barriers and four Land Rovers – from an anti-immigration group.

The group were seen with signs that said “we are being invaded” and “Belfast says no”.

The anti-racism crowd chanted “refugees are welcome here” and held handmade signs declaring the region “anti-fascist” and “stronger together”.

Say Nothing actor Lola Petticrew hosted the anti-racism event.

“There’s so much of us that we’ve spilled on the other side of the street,” she told the crowd.

“Stand up for your neighbours, your friends, the people who come here for survival and safety,” People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said on X.

The rally was held after disturbances and rioting across several nights in towns in Northern Ireland.

Disorder started in Ballymena after an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town.

A peaceful protest about the alleged assault was later followed by attacks on properties and police, in what the PSNI described as “racist thuggery”.

The disturbances in the Co Antrim town continued for several nights and spread to other areas including Larne, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Portadown and Coleraine.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said dozens of officers had been injured while policing such incidents, as he pledged the force would protect diverse communities.

On Friday night, a viable device was thrown through the widow of the Islamic Centre in Belfast during evening prayer in an attack that has been condemned by politicians.

Police are investigating whether the incident is a hate crime and have made an arrest.

On Saturday, First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appealed to people to refrain from disorder, violence or threats.

Ms O’Neill said: “There can be no place for the hatred we have seen, the pain it has caused and the devastation it has left behind.

“The Executive speaks with one voice – we appeal for calm and we are united in condemnation of all violence.”

Ms Little-Pengelly said: “All violence is wrong and we must not see the terrible scenes of disorder repeated.

“People have the right to protest, this does not extend to violence or threat. No-one should be subject to sectarianism or racism.

“Everyone in Northern Ireland – regardless of background or belief – should feel safe and supported. The Executive is united in condemnation of violence that has taken place.”