Lifestyle & Sports
15 Jun 26

Thousands attend anti-racism rally in Belfast

Credit: Patrik Meier

The rally was the largest of various anti-racism demonstrations that took place across the UK and Ireland over the weekend.

Over 5,000 people attended an anti-racism rally in Belfast city centre on Sunday.

The demonstration took place outside Belfast City Hall following days of unrest which saw people's homes, businesses and vehicles targeted, after footage of a knife attack in north Belfast, circulated on social media. The victim was left with serious injuries and a man has since been charged with attempted murder.

The "Together Against Hate" rally began at about 1 pm on Sunday.

The crowd chanted “we are Belfast” and “refugees are welcome here” as others in the crowd held up banners saying: "Strike back against racism", "Refugees welcome" and "Riots don't speak for Belfast".

The protest was organised by the group United Against Racism.

"This week we witnessed something we will never forget,” said Ivanka Antova, the chair of United Against Racism Belfast. The scenes of families and young children fleeing their homes in terror.”

"We'll never forget how rich and powerful people used their online platforms."

Credit: Patrik Meier

The crowd was also addressed by the city's new Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly, Alliance's Kate Nicholl, the Social Democratic and Labour Party's Matthew O'Toole, the Green Party's Mal O'Hara and People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll.

“Today, Belfast spoke with one voice,” said Carroll at the demonstration. “This was the biggest anti-racist demonstration this city has ever seen, and everyone who turned out should be proud.

“We reclaimed our city from the fascist thugs who tried to take it from us. The people of this city have answered terror with solidarity, and there is no contest about which is the real Belfast.

“The appalling attack in north Belfast was a horrific act of violence, and my thoughts are with the victim and his family. This serious crime is a matter for the courts. It can never be an excuse for the collective punishment of an entire community for the colour of their skin. That is outright racism, and it should be condemned as such."

Credit: Patrick Meier

The Belfast rally was the largest of various anti-racism demonstrations that took place across the UK and Ireland over the weekend.

2,000 people turned out for a march in Dublin. The marchers were addressed by People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett, Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan and members of various minority groups.