Two protests, an anti-immigration protest and an anti-racism protest, are to take place in Belfast on Friday evening.
We’ve broken down what you need to know about what is happening in Belfast city centre today.
What protests are planned for Belfast city centre on Friday?
Two demonstrations are scheduled to take place in Belfast city centre today.
4.30pm to 7pm: The Unity Over Division anti-racism rally has been organised for outside Belfast City Hall.
The organisers are encouraging participants to: “Take a stand against racism, fascism and Islamophobia by attending the peaceful counter protest.”
5pm: A separate, anti-immigrant protest is also being held at Belfast City Hall. It has been organised on social media.
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PSNI urges protestors to ‘engage with us’
The PSNI said it is aware of a number of protests planned for the city later today.
A spokesperson said: “We will have a significant policing operation in place, and are working hard to keep everyone safe, while supporting the right to peaceful protest.
“We would remind everyone that when engaging in protest, they should adhere to the following:
- Follow the instructions of Police
- Respect the rights of others
- Do not endanger your own safety, or that of anyone else
- Do not block a roadway or footpath
- Do not enter any building as a trespasser, or cause damage to property
- If you find yourself in a situation within a large group of people, which feels dangerous, try to leave the area as soon as possible
- If the protest involves a parade, then this must be notified to the Parades Commission. Taking part in a procession that is not notified is a criminal offence and you may be liable to prosecution
- If you participate in disorder, you risk getting arrested. The penalties for being involved in serious disorder can be very high, with rioting carrying a maximum sentence of ten years in prison”
