The family of Stephen Ogilvie, the victim of a knife attack in Belfast, has called for calm after riots erupted across the city. Ogilvie remains in hospital after losing his left eye in the attack, footage of which was widely shared on social media.
Attack and Legal Proceedings
Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with attempting to murder Ogilvie, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer, and possessing a knife. The judge, Steven Keown, remanded him in custody for four weeks, refusing bail, and adjourned the case to 8 July. Keown condemned the subsequent disorder and warned that perpetrators would face prison.
Family's Statement
In a statement shared via DUP MLA Phillip Brett, Ogilvie's family expressed devastation over the attack and stressed that unrest is unwelcome. They said: "We have many migrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country... We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility." They thanked those who intervened and asked for privacy.
The riots, which included burnt-out cars and houses in east Belfast, followed calls for protests from figures like Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson. The family urged peaceful protest as the only way forward.
