Number of arrests after riots in Northern Ireland rises to 19
Police in Northern Ireland have arrested 19 people, including a 16-year-old boy, after two nights of rioting sparked by far-right activists following a knife attack earlier this week. The unrest included masked men burning vehicles and homes, and police using plastic bullets and water cannon.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) announced that 19 people, including a 16-year-old boy, have been arrested following two nights of rioting. The violence erupted after far-right activists called for demonstrations in response to a knife attack captured in a graphic video. On Tuesday, masked men set fire to vehicles and houses, blocked roads, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson, and others encouraged people to take to the streets. On Wednesday, police deployed plastic bullets and water cannon when crowds attacked officers with rocks and petrol bombs.
Concerns have been raised about online messages encouraging disorder spread via messaging apps. On Friday, a committee of MPs warned that the government had failed to tackle the spread of misinformation online. Chi Onwurah, chair of the science, innovation, and technology committee, said: “Unrest in Belfast shows that the government hasn’t done enough to tackle the scale and speed of the algorithmic amplification of misinformation online.” In a letter to Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, Onwurah accused the government of ignoring the committee’s earlier warning that social media algorithms had driven previous violent unrest in Southport by amplifying harmful and misleading content. She noted that the committee’s report last year warned the Online Safety Act was “inadequate and riddled with regulatory gaps.” The letter called on the government and Ofcom to force social media companies to take steps during crises to tackle the viral algorithmic amplification of content that may drive unrest, even if it does not meet the threshold for illegality.
The PSNI said Thursday night was “much calmer,” with only “lower-level disturbances” compared to previous nights. The PSNI and Police Scotland appealed for calm ahead of anti-racist demonstrations planned in Belfast and Glasgow. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson stated: “Thankfully, the situation was much calmer than we have seen in recent days. Our policing operation will remain over the weekend to ensure public order is maintained.”
The victim of the knife attack, Stephen Ogilvie, who suffered deep cuts and lost an eye, remained in an induced coma on Friday but his condition was said to be improving. Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder. Several anti-racism events have been organized in response to the unrest. A community solidarity rally was held in west Belfast on Friday evening, and a “Together Against Hate” demonstration is scheduled at Belfast City Hall on Saturday. Police also expect large numbers at a protest in Glasgow organized by Stand Up to Racism Scotland, in response to unrest on Tuesday when five people, including two police officers, were injured and Glasgow’s central mosque was forced to lock worshippers inside.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell of Police Scotland said there would be a large police presence at the demonstration. He warned: “There must be no repeat of the disorder and violence seen in the city earlier this week, when members of our communities were targeted because of the colour of their skin and officers working to keep people safe were injured. My message is clear. Those attending must do so lawfully and the police will support public safety.” Lawyer Aamer Anwar, supporting the Saturday demonstration, said: “Saturday is about reclaiming our streets, not a day for hate, but a celebration of our city and many cultures. Those who wish to cause the mayhem are not welcome.”
