‘They are thugs thriving on division’: residents voice disgust and shame at Belfast rioters

Belfast residents have reacted with anger. disgust at the disorder in the city in response to a an online callout by the Guardian.

People were asked if they had been affected by the unrest sparked by the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie in the city earlier in the week.

Hadi Alodid, 30, of Belfast, has been charged with the attempted murder of Ogilvie.

Hundreds of people took part in the riotssetting fire to cars, homes. a bus, and throwing bricks and petrol bombs at the police.

Ada Ní Deoradháin. 26, an Irish-Polish national who moved to Belfast at the age of 11, said: “The events reflect a history that still lingers here. Too often, people believe they can commit these acts without consequence.

“They attack homes, businesses and communities, yet are described as ‘protesters’ by some media outlets. These are not protests. They are targeted acts of intimidation and violence. These are pogroms. And they echo the 70s.

“As a Polish immigrant who grew up in Belfast, I live in this city in alienation. I am still cautious about who I speak to because of my accent, however faint it may be. Too many people hold on to prejudice, and its effects are felt daily.

“Friends of mine who are immigrants or people of colour share the same reality. Yet these experiences are not taken seriously when raised … That unwillingness to acknowledge prejudice allows it to persist –. combined with frustration, unhappiness and a lack of opportunities, it is then channelled into discrimination, mistreatment, and, ultimately, the kind of senseless, cruel attacks we are seeing now.

“These actions are also encouraged by far-right rhetoric from politicians. billionaires who benefit from division and unrest rather than peace and progress. Belfast deserves better than this … We want to move past a history of division. hatred that has lasted far too long.”

A number of respondents said the disorder had disrupted the healthcare provided to their relatives.

Adam. from Ballycastle, said: “My 72-year-old mother has been in hospital in Belfast with serious injuries after being knocked down by a car on Monday morning.

“I’ve been unable to drive to Belfast to see her in hospital as every evening since Tuesday it has been too dangerous. These rioters don’t represent the majority of people here. It’s disgusting and depressing that a minority can hold the rest of the country to ransom.”

A woman from Belfast who asked not to be named said: “My husband. 67, who has Parkinson’s, was to be admitted to the Royal Victoria hospital.

“He has been struggling for months with complications from the illness. We were informed that the hospital is not taking admissions due to the social unrest. There is no guarantee he will be admitted tomorrow or when. Everything is on hold.

“This is very distressing. The mob that is holding the city to ransom do not speak for the majority of people here. That they are being stoked by external voices is infuriating,. the focus for now must be the restoration of order. Police, politicians and community leaders need to intervene and get this rabble off the streets.”

Another resident who asked not to be named said: “I live. work in Belfast and over the past 24 hours normal life has become increasingly tense.

“What began as feelings of shock. disgust in hearing about the terrible attack that took place on a nearby street has evolved into shame and disbelief at the appalling behaviour of a group of thugs who only thrive on division, disruption and mayhem.

“These individuals do not represent Belfast, nor should their actions define a city that is known for being warm, friendly. welcoming. Belfast is far better than the scenes we have witnessed.

“As a parent of two young children. what upsets me most is the impact this unrest is having on innocent families, particularly the children who have been forced to leave their homes. It is difficult to imagine how frightening and traumatic that experience must have been for them.

“To anyone who is fearful for their home, family or business today, please know that you are welcome here. You are part of our community,. we value and appreciate the culture, diversity and richness that you bring to our city.”

Not all the respondents were critical of the disorder. One 42-year-old resident of east Belfast said “the effects of mass uncontrolled migration are felt everyday”. they flagged “strains on services and the collapse of my culture”.