UP TO 15,000 people have taken part in an anti-racism rally in Belfast, following a week of rioting and disorder in the city. Saturday’s protest started at Writer’s Square, where a huge crowd assembled, many holding placards with anti-racism and pro-migrant messages. Organised by the United Against Racism group, the protesters made their way to City Hall in Belfast , chanting “When migrants’ rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back”.
Many waved Palestinian and Pride flags, with homemade placards that included Belfast-themed messages “scundered for racists” and “Ulster says yeooo to migrants”. It came after around a thousand people gathered in the city for a counter-protest against several hundred anti-immigration demonstrators on Friday evening. A heavy police presence and barriers were put in place to keep the two groups apart at Belfast City Hall, while Donegall Square North and Wellington Place were closed to traffic for several hours.
More than 120 groups took part in Saturday’s demonstration. Up to a dozen people made speeches on a stage outside City Hall, including women from migrant groups, a representative from a racial equality group, union representatives, politicians and a migrant whose business was attacked last week. Areeg Fareh, from Anaka Women’s Collective, said: “We have made Northern Ireland our home.
We are in communities all around the city. “Yes, we have experienced racism. It is challenging and it hurts but m.