A rally to show a “united front against hatred and discrimination” is set to take place in Coleraine.
The demonstration, at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday at 2pm, is in response to an upsurge in racist attacks and violence across Northern Ireland last week.
Rally organiser, George McElhinney said: “We are mobilising a coalition of trade unions, community groups and political organisations to show a united front against hatred and discrimination and showing that racist violence will never be welcome in this town.”
“We want to stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by violence in the past week and declare absolute support for those people who have had their livelihoods ruined.
He had a message for far-right protestors: “We understand your pain, and the anger you feel at the current state of our society, but that is not the fault of immigrants, refugees or ethnic minorities, the fault lies with government”.
Rumours of far-right protests being planned in the town have been swirling on social media over recent days.
PUP councillor Russell Watton pleaded with young people not to take part in far-right protests.
“One violent protest and your participation in it could lead to life-changing penalties,” he said.
“I would appeal to all those who take part in such protests to think again.”
