Counter-protesters far outnumbered anti-immigration demonstrators in Belfast city centre yesterday evening, amid hopes of a turning point following days of disorder and violence.
A significant police operation was in place and barriers were erected to keep the two crowds apart outside City Hall
Around 1,000 pro-immigration protesters had gathered, with the crowd growing since early afternoon. Signs reading slogans such as “refugees welcome” and “this is what community looks like” were held aloft.
Two protests take place in Belfast on August 9th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
About 150 anti-immigration demonstrators stood behind the opposite barriers, with scores of police officers and several PSNI Landrovers keeping the two sides apart.
Posters reading “Shankill Rd says no to illegal immigration” and “protect our children” were held by some in the crowd, as well as Union Jack flags.
Over a loudspeaker police announced that face coverings must be removed and failure to do so could result in arrest and prosecution.
Demonstrators in Belfast. Photograph by Declan Roughan / Press Eye
Earlier on Friday Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones told a press conference that officers would have available “additional powers to stop and search or require the removal of face coverings.”
These are existing powers contained in the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. Stop and search can be used “in anticipation of violence”.
Several roads in the area were closed, while more than a dozen city centre businesses shut early or didn’t open at all on Friday due to the protests. Translink had advised the public of potential delays and disruption to services.
Amid the demonstrations, one lucky couple who had just gotten married at City Hall were pictured smiling as they walked down the street with the protests and police seen in the background.
A newly married couple cross the road as PSNI officers line the streets. Credit: Mark Marlow/PA Media Assignments/PA Wire
Several arrests were made on Friday in connection with the disorder in recent days, including the first arrest of someone for publishing written material “intended to stir up hatred”.
So far a total of 26 arrests relating to the disorder have been made and 21 people have been charged.
ACC Jones said on Friday afternoon police would be making more arrests in the coming days.
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“We are also investigating who is organising and orchestrating this disorder and we will bring those people to justice,” she said.
“The scenes we have seen across Belfast over the last week have been a disgrace. They have no place in our communities.
“Those who are intent on causing disorder or committing offences will be brought to justice.
“Anyone contemplating getting involved needs to understand the consequences of their actions. We will use all lawful means and tactics at our disposal to gather evidence and arrest people involved in criminality.
“From today our officers may have additional powers to stop and search or require the removal of face coverings. Our officers will have all the appropriate powers and tactics to tackle disorder and criminal behaviour.”
PSNI given ‘special powers’ while Belfast businesses to close early as city gears up for potential disorder
ACC Jones confirmed that 120 officers from Police Scotland would arrive next week to assist the PSNI.
She said: “This will give us a vital additional resilience that we need to continue to deal with this effectively.”
Assembly speaker Edwin Poots issued a statement condemning the violence seen in recent days.
A man with a Union Jack flag in Belfast city centre
“The rioting has been devastating, primarily to the victims, but it has also been immensely harmful to the wider community,” he said.
“As we approach this weekend, I would urge calm and restraint and for individuals not to get involved in violence of any kind.
“Already, a considerable number of people have been charged with offences, which will likely lead to prison sentences.
“Very often, faceless people on social media encourage people on to the streets but leave others to take part and carry the consequences. It is clear that everyone loses out of violence.
“There is no justification for it and, if anything, it will make attracting investment and securing solutions to other local issues for every part of our community, much more difficult.”
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Speaking on Friday, Belfast Chamber president Gavin Annon said it was “completely unacceptable” that businesses had to close due to the potential for violence in the city.
“These businesses are the heartbeat of our city, and the hard-working owners and staff should not have their livelihoods impacted while trying to carry out their jobs,” he said.
“This is particularly damaging during peak tourism season, projecting a very poor and inaccurate impression of our city.
“Belfast Chamber recognises people’s right to protest peacefully, and is continuing to work closely with stakeholders to address challenges such as the lack of housing, but we once again strongly condemn the violence.
“Our city and its business community deserve better.”
An anti-racism ‘Unity Over Division’ counter-protest in Belfast city centre, one of two protests expected in the area on Friday, the other being a separate far-right protest. PA Photo.
The roads surrounding City Hall that were closed due to the protests were reopened by 7.30pm as the crowds began to disperse. There were no reports of violence in the city centre.
Last night the King expressed his “heartfelt thanks” to the emergency services in phone calls with the Prime Minister and police chiefs praising their efforts to “restore peace” and sharing how he had been “greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.