Rioters in Belfast have been condemned as 'racist scumbags' after a night of violent disorder in the city. Cars and homes were set ablaze as protesters took to the streets on Tuesday, June 9, following a knife attack the previous day. Republicans are now mobilising to protect ethnic minorities who may be targeted by the rioters.
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Tuesday's disorder as 'unacceptable', stating it was 'clear' that people were being targeted 'because of their background'. The violence has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from political leaders.
Local Republican Pledge
Damien Fennell, acquitted in 2017 of inviting support for the Irish Republican Army (IRA), has pledged to support families in the Ardoyne area. Speaking to the Telegraph, Fennell said: 'We have reassured them that they are welcome in Ardoyne and these racist scumbags don't represent this district. The contact details of local Republicans have been left with them and we will be mobilising at their house should anyone arrive at their door. Make no mistake, local republicans will be defending this family and any others attacked like this by any means necessary.'
Background of Ardoyne
Ardoyne is a working-class suburb in North Belfast, historically a Catholic and Irish nationalist area during the Troubles. It was directly affected by the city-wide rioting, which saw far-right groups targeting minority families. Masked men reportedly threatened to force minority and Black families out of their homes before local residents mobilised to defend them.
The Stabbing Incident
The unrest followed an attack on Stephen Ogilvie on Kinnaird Avenue in north Belfast on Monday, June 8. Ogilvie lost an eye and suffered other significant injuries. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, has been charged with attempted murder. He appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 10, and is scheduled to appear again on July 8.
Victim's Family Statement
In a statement issued through DUP assembly member Phillip Brett, the victim's family thanked those who intervened to help during the attack. However, they emphasised that the riots were 'not welcome' and that 'peaceful protest is the only way forward'. Northern Ireland Secretary Hillary Benn condemned the violence, stating: 'Nothing can justify the violence.' He confirmed that additional police officers would be deployed across the city on Wednesday night.
