Thousands attend anti-racism rally in Belfast as arrests over disorder rise to 23
Thousands gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday for an anti-racism rally, days after a knife attack ignited racially motivated riots across the city.
Outside Belfast City Hall, thousands gathered on Saturday afternoon for the Together Against Hate rally, a direct response to a week of unrest that saw racist mobs set homes and vehicles alight. The city had been shaken after a knife attack on Monday night left a man severely injured, and social media amplified calls for retributive street action.
The knife attack and the accused
On Monday evening in north Belfast, Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed, losing his left eye and suffering deep cuts to his head, face and back. Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese national, was arrested at the scene. He appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder. Alodid had entered Northern Ireland by bus from Dublin in February 2023, claiming asylum upon arrival. He was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
Violence erupts
The following night, Tuesday, groups set homes, a bus and cars on fire in racially motivated attacks. People were targeted based on their race, and the disorder spread across parts of Belfast. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has since arrested 23 people; 17 have been charged to court, and five bailed. One individual was reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
This week we witnessed something we will never forget. The scenes of families and young children fleeing their homes in terror. We'll never forget how rich and powerful people used their online platforms.
At the rally, the mention of Elon Musk — whose posts on X had highlighted demands for street protests — was met with boos from the crowd.
- Stephen Ogilvie stabbed in north Belfast, loses left eye and suffers deep cuts.
- Mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire in racially motivated attacks across Belfast.
- Hadi Alodid (30) appears in court charged with attempted murder.
- PSNI identifies 21 suspects, 19 arrested by Friday.
- Anti-racism rally draws 4,000; PSNI confirms 23 arrests, 17 charged.
The anti-racism rally
Organised by United Against Racism and supported by trade unions, the Together Against Hate rally drew around 4,000 people. Attendees carried placards with slogans such as “Racists go home” and “The problem is evil and violence, not race”. The crowd chanted “refugees are welcome here” and “who is Belfast, we are Belfast”.
I could have cried with anger, fear, and frustration at the hate on our streets. I could cry now but cry with joy at this demonstration of anti-racism, of solidarity and of opposition to hate on our streets.
Sinn Féin Lord Mayor Róis-Máire Donnelly told the crowd that the city is "stronger because of its diversity", adding: "The Belfast I know is resilient, compassionate and welcoming."
Calls for action and arrests update
Speakers demanded practical support for affected communities. Carmel Gates of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions said that Westminster must "provide money to tackle the poverty that fuels racism" and told the far right to "get out of our communities". Elaine Crory from the Women's Resource & Development Agency warned that the root cause of racism remains unaddressed, noting that fewer people have been arrested than were made homeless.
The PSNI said on Saturday that 23 arrests have now been made, with 17 charged. An 18-year-old is expected to appear before magistrates charged with common law riot and attempted criminal damage. The rally organisers posted safety tips urging participants to “stay calm, focused, and peaceful”.
