Thousands march in Belfast against racism after week of riots with burning cars and torched houses
Several thousand people gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday to protest against racism, days after severe racially motivated riots involving burning cars and houses shook the city.
The protest
Thousands assembled on Saturday outside Belfast City Hall for a demonstration organised by the group Unite Against Racism under the banner "Together Against Hate". Attendees carried signs with slogans such as "Racists go home" and "Your racism is not patriotism". The rally was a direct response to the violence that erupted earlier in the week.
The riots
Belfast saw a series of racially motivated attacks in the preceding days. According to reports, cars were set alight and buildings were torched. The disturbances were described as severe racially aggravated riots that left the community shaken. Photographs from the scene showed the aftermath of burned-out vehicles and damaged property.
Response
Saturday's demonstration was intended as a counter-message to the violence. Organisers framed it as a collective stand against extremism, drawing thousands who rejected the targeting of minority communities. Police were present but no major incidents were reported during the rally. The turnout signals a broad rejection of the earlier attacks.
