Three men have been charged in connection with trouble that flared outside Queen’s University during a visit by former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
A number of PSNI officers were injured during the disturbance, police said today.
The former US presidential candidate was speaking at the final day of the Global Innovation Summit 2024 at the university, where she is the chancellor.
Protesters chanted “shame” and carried Palestine flags and a cut-out of Mrs Clinton depicted with blood on her hands.
Footage from outside the hall where Mrs Clinton was speaking showed angry exchanges and scuffles between protesters and police.
Today, South Belfast District Commander Superintendent Finola Dornan said officers responded to “a number of public disorder offences”.
Protesters clash with police in Belfast during Hillary Clinton visit at Queen’s University
“During the course of managing the disorder, police arrested four men.
“Three of the men, aged 18, 20 and 21, have since been charged with resisting police. The 18-year-old man was also charged with obstructing police and the 21-year-old with obstructing police and assault on police.
“They are due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on December 12.
“A fourth man, aged 57, was later released.
“The right to protest, freedom of speech and assembly are fundamental human rights. They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest, balanced against the rights and protection of others.
“What was experienced yesterday cannot be described as peaceful in nature. In order to manage risks to the public and to our officers, additional resources, including tactical support officers were required, significantly over and above the initial local police deployment.
“A number of our officers were injured and this is unacceptable and without justification.
“In spite of these challenges, every effort was made to facilitate those engaging in peaceful protest to continue to express their views.
“A full investigation into the disorder yesterday has been launched. We will review footage with a view to identifying any other offences have been committed.”