Thousands of counter protestors have gathered at Belfast City Hall, opposite participants of an anti-migrant rally.
A number of businesses, organisations and libraries across the city have closed early today and the police have begun a “significant” operation in the city centre “to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression”.
Motorists have been advised to expect disruption around Donegall Square and in Wellington Place up to 7pm with knock-on delays as a result.
The PSNI said today that 23 arrests have been made so far following recent disorder across Belfast, with 15 people charged. From today, police will have additional powers of stop and search and to ask people to remove face coverings, Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said.
She added that it is the “own decision” of businesses if they choose to close early today.
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A happy day for one couple despite protests
PSNI issues advice on Donegall Square protest
Translink urges passengers to be aware of potential disruption
PSNI to have special powers to stop and search and demand removal of face coverings
Police make further arrest
The man, who was arrested on suspicion of riot on Friday 9th August, remains in police custody at this time.
Crowd chants ‘Oh Tommy Robinson’ at protest
Anti-racism protestors’ taunting chant
Both sides of protesters separated by line of police Land Rovers
Roads closed around City Hall due to protests
A happy day for one couple despite protests
Surrounded by a significant police presence and throngs of protestors, the as-yet unnamed pair were the picture of happiness after getting married.
While many shops and other amenities were closed due to the planned protests, the newlyweds showed life goes on as they crossed the road outside Belfast City Hall.
If you know the newlyweds, get in touch at [email protected]
Chants from anti-racism rally
“Belfast is anti facist”
“Refugees are welcome here”
“Migrant rights workers rights, same struggle’
Posters being held up by anti-immigration protesters
Anti-immigration protestors arriving
Allison Morris reports from Belfast City Hall
Allison Morris reports from Belfast City Hall
Large police presence in Belfast city centre
Thousands at counter protest
DUP MLA Edwin Poots issues statement urging calm
Two men arrested by police investigating recent disorder
He has been arrested on suspicion of publishing written material intended to stir up hatred.
Meanwhile, detectives investigating recent public disorder have arrested a 53-year-old man under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
They have both been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
Constituents afraid to go to shops and carry out jobs – Butler
Mr Butler, a former firefighter, spoke out against recent events and said an earlier joint statement by health trusts should serve as a “stark reminder” that planned anti-immigration protests are “hurting absolutely everyone – particularly the most vulnerable”.
Mr Butler, a former firefighter, added: “It needs to end.”
He continued: “The loss of these services will mean hundreds of missed GP appointments, missed day centre respite for learning disabled clients and many missed appointments for things like speech & language or physiotherapy, adding to an already dangerously backlogged health service.
“This week I have been contacted by elderly constituents afraid to go to the shops, parents who are fearful for their children’s safety when school returns and community health workers who are frightened about doing their jobs in certain areas.
“Whilst Northern Ireland is not suffering these race hate tensions alone, we really should know better and be able to react to what really should be called political failure.
“After decades of conflict, where paramilitaries ruined the lives of thousands of lives, young men in particular, we once again see our young people being manipulated and bombarded with false and hateful words, being drawn into a conflict which is not theirs. Those who are responsible for ruining these young lives need to be held to account.
“I urge everyone to take a pause and consider that the failings we are all impacted by are not the fault of migrants, but of politics in many jurisdictions. The failure to have a government here for 5 years from the past 8 has infinitely had more of a negative impact on the housing waiting list and our crumbling health service, than any other issue.
“Let’s put our children first, not on a protest line or filling their minds with hate, but by doubling our efforts to fix what is broken and to build a Northern Ireland that we can all be proud of and that they will want to be part of!”
PSNI issues advice on Donegall Square protest
In a statement, they said: “We will be there to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression. We urge those attending to engage with us.
“Motorists should expect disruption around Donegall Square and in Wellington Place at these times.
“Knock-on delays may be experienced throughout the city centre as a result.”
Belfast nightclub to remain closed due to protests
Alibi, on Bradbury Place, usually opens on Friday and Saturday but said it had taken the decision for safety purposes.
Posting on social media, they said: “Due to the ongoing protests in town and resulting high-level police presence and road closures, we have decided to close tonight.
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but we believe this is the best course of action to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. We’ll be back next week, business as usual.”
‘A symbol of hope and unity’