Published date:
Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna Statement said:
“I utterly condemn the appalling scenes of violence we saw in Belfast over this weekend and the attacks on businesses which are owned or perceived to be owned by members of ethnic minority communities.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected by that violence. I can only imagine the terror felt by so many of our friends and neighbours from ethnic minority communities in South Belfast and the anxiety I’m sure many are feeling today across Northern Ireland.
“The scenes on Saturday are particularly concerning given the spate of hate crimes and incidents we have seen recently.
“I hope those members of ethnic minority and migrant communities know that the racist thugs and criminals who acted so shamefully do not represent Northern Ireland and that is not who we are.
“It is important now that we see swift action to bring as many of those individuals involved in the violence to justice. That is vital but I know it may provide little comfort to those who have lost their businesses or spent a weekend fearing for their safety.
“The police have a difficult job and I am particularly concerned that some officers were injured during the violence. I intend to speak to the Chief Constable in the coming weeks to discuss how the Police can best proactively protect communities at risk from far right violence.
“There is nothing that can ever justify hate crime, racism or the violence we saw over the weekend. Everyone in Northern Ireland must now come together to stand against the far-right agitators that have been so actively trying to sow discord for their own purposes. Their hate-filled ideology offers nothing and will never succeed.”