Belfast violence follows stabbing attack; man charged with attempted murder
12 reported
A 30-year-old Sudanese man is set to appear in Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder over a stabbing attack, according to a single-source report. The accused also faces charges of possession of a blade or point in a public place and making threats to kill. The stabbing, filmed and widely shared on social media, prompted protests and violent disorder in Belfast on Tuesday evening. Anti-immigration demonstrators set bins and vehicles on fire, looted shops, and attacked a house in a loyalist area. Northern Ireland’s first minister, deputy first minister, justice minister, and the Northern Ireland secretary all condemned the violence as “thuggery” and appealed for calm. Immigrant communities expressed fear, with Sudanese business owners closing early and the Belfast Islamic Centre cancelling evening prayers. The source article notes that the violence followed a knife attack filmed in a graphic video posted by Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures.
What’s reported
A 30-year-old Sudanese man is charged with attempted murder, possession of a blade or point in a public place, and making threats to kill.
He is due to appear at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Violent disorder in Belfast included fires, looting of two phone shops, and an African shop set on fire.
A house on a residential street near Shankill Road was attacked by masked men who broke down the door and windows.
A car was set on fire, and a bus was burned out on Newtownards Road.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the violence “outright thuggery.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn condemned the “thuggery” and said police must be allowed to do their job.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said “hate cannot be allowed” to win.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly appealed for calm and said violence damages any cause.
The stabbing attack video was posted by Tommy Robinson and other far-right figures.
Sudanese business owners on Sandy Row closed early and planned to stay home.
The Belfast Islamic Centre cancelled evening prayers; a project manager advised congregants to go home and not share rumours.
Key figures
30-year-old Sudanese man (accused, not named)
Michelle O’Neill (Northern Ireland First Minister)
Hilary Benn (Northern Ireland Secretary)
Naomi Long (Northern Ireland Justice Minister)
Emma Little-Pengelly (Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister)
Ameer Ibrahim (project manager, Belfast Islamic Centre, speaking in personal capacity)
Tommy Robinson (far-right figure, posted video)
Sources: The Guardian
