Hundreds of protestors have taken to the streets of Belfast to stand in opposition to racist attacks, significantly outnumbering those attending an anti-immigration rally.
Crowds began gathering ahead of the ‘Unity Over Division’ demonstration at Belfast City Hall at 4.30pm, while police separated the anti-migrant protestors who had gathered at the other side of Donegall Square.
A heavy police presence remained throughout the rally, which saw anti-racism protestors joined by members of trade unions and other organisations, while demonstrators carried flags and placards highlighting that refugees were welcome.
A number of city centre businesses closed early to let staff away ahead of the demonstrations, while police had advised that traffic disruption in and around the area could be expected up to 7pm when the main rally was due to conclude.
Friday’s rally came as police revealed a further six people have been charged in connection with disorder that flared across the city during the past week.
The nightly disorder followed last Saturday’s anti-immigration rally that descended into violence when far right protestors moved from the city centre into parts of south Belfast and attacked businesses owned by members of ethnic minority communities.
Plans are underway for a further city centre anti-racism demonstration on Saturday at Writer’s Square in the Cathedral Quarter area.
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Among the latest people charged are a 15-year-old boy and a 47-year-old woman, and the six were due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Friday and Saturday.
As Friday’s rally got into full swing, hundreds chanted anti-fascist slogans, with the large crowd frequently erupting into cheers and applause.
On the other side of the police line, around 100 anti-migrant demonstrators looked on, some holding signs stating ‘protect our children’ and ‘Shankill Rd says no to illegal immigration’.
Dozens of police officers, backed up by a line of PSNI Land Rovers lined up on Donegal Place, keep the opposing protests apart.
One of the protestors told the Irish News that he was concerned the intent of some on his side of the road was being misconstrued.
Billy Garret, from Belfast, said: “I’m totally against illegal immigration, but I’ll be honest with you - the majority of the people here (on this side) are not against all the hard-working people who come here legally.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from in the world - we want everyone to be safe in our wee country, but unfortunately no-one feels safe now. I understand there has to be controlled immigration, but people have had enough.”
Another demonstrator, Dierdre, said: I feel very conflicted, because our country is overrun - they aren’t vetted, and there are just hoards, and hoards of them coming in.
“But at the same time, I’m 100% for genuine refugees and I’ll welcome them.”
Her friend, Bridgit, said the recent violence “is only a result of people’s anger”, adding: “That will happen in any country with protests.”
Meanwhile, among the opposing anti- racism rally attendees, Belfast’s Matt Ralphson said he was here “because I don’t want fascists and Nazis on the street intimidating our diverse communities, who come here and work here, live here, and deserve to be here - they are part of our community”.
He continued: “They’ve been made to feel scared, frightened, and this is a chance for the people of Belfast to say, no, not in our name.
“We respect and want everyone who wants to come here to live here peacefully without fear. I’m out to show support and reject the right-wing protests that have been springing up across the UK.”
He added: “If it keeps going on I think crowds like this will keep getting bigger. It’s been a small minority who’ve seized on the opportunity to come out and cause trouble, and recreational rioters egged on by paramilitaries.
“It’s taken a while for us to realise what’s happening and to come out and say no, it’s not on, this is 2024 and this isn’t the city we are.”
Ryan Herfield said he was attending “to show support for friends and family that have being directly affected” by the recent disorder.
“There has been a general fear for people walking the streets,” he said.
“I’m happy with the show of support, but there could always be more - I feel like if you can , you should get down.
“I’d 110% be happy to keep coming and showing my support for as long as it takes.”
The rally crowd began dispersing shortly after 7pm.
Meanwhile, Translink has announced it is suspending Metro bus services in Belfast’s Donegall Road area each evening from 7pm until further notice.
The area in the south of the city has seen some of the worst disorder over the week, including a supermarket destroyed in an arson attack.