Northern Ireland minister condemns 'racist thuggery' as violence returns
UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn labelled the recent anti-immigration violence in Belfast as 'racist thuggery'. The unrest, sparked by a stabbing carried out by a Somali asylum seeker, has raised concerns and evoked memories of the Troubles.
UK Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn on Thursday condemned two days of anti-immigration violence in Belfast as 'racist thuggery'. Benn expressed relief that the disorder on the streets lessened on Wednesday night compared to Tuesday, but noted that the racial nature of the mobs remained clear as they targeted a hotel previously housing asylum seekers.
The violence erupted after a Somalian man granted asylum, Hadi Alodid, carried out a brutal stabbing on Monday, seriously injuring Stephen Ogilvie. Alodid has been charged with attempted murder and remanded in custody; the case is not being treated as terrorism and has been adjourned to July 8. Ogilvie's family appealed for calm, stating that violence 'is not welcome'.
Police made 16 arrests on Wednesday night. Authorities said much of the violence was encouraged and coordinated online, with some involvement from people outside Northern Ireland. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson noted that prosecutions related to social media posts may follow.
Northern Ireland experienced decades of sectarian violence known as 'the Troubles', which ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The return of unrest has sparked deep concern, reminding many of the past conflict.
