Thousands Rally Against Racism in Belfast After Knife Attack Unrest
Thousands gathered at a «Together Against Hate» rally in Belfast, organized by Unite Against Racism, following unrest from a knife attack that injured Stephen Ogilvie. Speakers condemned racism and highlighted the city’s diversity. Hadi Alodid, 30, was charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack.
Thousands attended a Unite Against Racism rally, «Together Against Hate», outside Belfast City Hall following days of unrest sparked by a knife attack. The demonstrations across the city were in response to an incident where Stephen Ogilvie lost an eye and sustained severe cuts to his head, face, and back.
Speakers at the rally included SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole, who expressed joy at the anti-racism display after earlier anger, and Elaine Crory from the Women’s Resource & Development Agency, who highlighted the rekindling of racism when a non-white person commits a crime. Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly, who had received a police warning about a threat to her life, also spoke, emphasizing Belfast’s strength through diversity. Green Party’s Mal O’Hara condemned manipulators using the attack as an excuse for racism.
The PSNI reported 23 arrests over the disorder, with 17 charged. Hadi Alodid, 30, a Sudanese national who claimed asylum in the UK in February 2023, appeared in court charged with attempted murder in connection with Monday’s knife attack. The rally, which lasted under two hours, saw chants of «refugees are welcome here» and placards against racism.