List of targeted addresses stokes fear and violence across Belfast
A list of addresses circulating on social media amid riots in Belfast, targeting homes where immigrants live, has sparked widespread fear, forcing many to plan their escape from the city.
Widespread violence in Belfast has been accompanied by a list of addresses circulating on social media. The list, spanning dozens of streets across the city, primarily features houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) where immigrants reside. This has generated deep fear within immigrant communities, with many considering leaving Belfast.
Joseph and Solomon, both from Eritrea and now refugees with leave to remain, live on the same street as one of the listed properties. Joseph initially believed his own home was on the list. "It's obviously for us," he said. "I don't know how to feel. When something is too much, you don't feel anything." Until now, he felt safe in Belfast but now plans to escape. "The majority of people are good, but I don't know where to go. I'm planning my escape." Solomon, who works in manufacturing, also plans to leave, feeling unsafe.
Paul Doherty, who runs a community solidarity hub, described a mother with three children who was in hysterics after her house was listed. "The kids were crying, and she didn't want to go home," he said. Community members have quietly stepped up to watch out for neighbours. The list has fostered a culture of fear permeating Belfast's minority ethnic communities.
During the violence on Wednesday night, a mob tried to attack a hotel housing asylum seekers but was blocked by police, leading to clashes in a nearby residential street. The previous night, minority ethnic families were forced from their homes, and businesses were looted and burned.
Mohammed, a Syrian refugee who fled war in 2015, now plans to leave Belfast this summer, possibly back to Syria or Egypt. "We are not like this guy [the knife attack suspect]," he said. "We are looking just for a new life." The supermarket he manages was set on fire, destroying all stock. "At home it's very bad. My kids are crying. We don't sleep. This morning my son said: 'I don't want to go to school.'"
Kfloum Tekly Kassa was evacuated from the flats above the shops where the fire started. He, his wife, and their two-month-old daughter stayed with friends. "It's very hard. My wife was very afraid. This is not humanity," he said.
The violence has highlighted racism in Northern Ireland. Last year, racist incidents reached their highest recorded level, surpassing sectarian incidents. Kashif Akram from the Belfast Islamic Centre said violence was expected, especially in summer. "The dehumanisation of immigrants and Muslims has been ongoing, especially on social media, and far-right politicians have normalised violence."
Tim Magowan, executive director of the 174 Trust, noted the incident is just the tip of the iceberg. "Most people of colour I know have stories. Only 3% of our communities are people of colour, so we're not used to a multi-ethnic world. Our culture is fundamentally about division."
