Northern Ireland's Health Minister says disorder is a ‘stain’ on region's reputation
By Georgia Bates, Press Association
Northern Ireland's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said the disorder seen over the last few days is a “stain” on the region's reputation.
The politician’s comments came after violent demonstrations were held across Northern Ireland in the wake of a stabbing attack in Belfast.
Speaking to BBC’s The View, Nesbitt referred to widely shared video footage showing a family “being bundled into the back of a police Land Rover”.
He said: “I am told that the mum is a nurse…That’s why what happened is a stain on Northern Ireland’s reputation locally, nationally, and internationally.”
The disorder broke out after a knife attack in north Belfast in which Stephen Ogilvie, who is aged in his 40s, lost an eye.
Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged with attempted murder over the incident.
Alodid entered Northern Ireland across the Irish border by bus in February 2023, having flown to Dublin from Paris.
He then claimed asylum upon arrival and was granted leave to remain in the UK until 2028.
The targeting of healthcare workers in Belfast during the recent riots was condemned by PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters, he referred to the “disgraceful threats and intimidation directed to our nurses, doctors, carers and healthcare staff, men and women who work every day to save lives and care for our sick relatives, they are the backbone of our public service”.
On Tuesday night, mobs set homes, a bus and cars on fire in Belfast, with people targeted based on their race.
Water cannons were deployed in Co Antrim on Wednesday after police were pelted with bricks and a Department for Infrastructure vehicle was left in flames.
There was also serious unrest in Portadown, Co Armagh.
Twelve police officers were injured on Wednesday evening.
Henderson told reporters earlier this week that Thursday night witnessed a de-escalation of tensions.
On Saturday, the PSNI said that it had arrested 23 people over the disorder – and that more are expected to follow.
A Together Against Hate rally took place outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday afternoon with speakers including leader of the Opposition SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole and Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly.
An estimated 3,000 demonstrators attended the protest, during which crowds chanted “who is Belfast, we are Belfast” and “say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”.
One spokesperson said the demonstration was the largest anti-racism gathering they had seen in Belfast.
