Anti-racism demonstrators gather in Belfast after days of unrest

Anti-racism demonstrators gather in Belfast after days of unrest Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was among those in attendance 19:48, 12 Jun 2026 Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in Belfast to “say no to racism and thuggery” after days of unrest sparked by a knife attack. ‌ The protesters gathered in front of the International Wall in Divis Street in the area of the city on Friday evening. ‌ The demonstration comes after violent protests were held across the city after the stabbing in which victim Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep cuts to his head, face and back. ‌ North Belfast MP John Finucane attended the rally and told the Press Association that there is “no space” for the unrest seen in the city in recent days. He said the week began with a “brutal and horrific” knife attack and that his thoughts remain with the victim and those who intervened to save his life. He told PA: “There is absolutely no space whatsoever for the scenes that we saw on Tuesday night and Wednesday – burning out buses, burning out families from their homes, wanton destruction, criminality, racism, thuggery and violence. ‌ “There is no excuse, and there is no demand for that whatsoever.” He added: “I think tonight we’ve seen hundreds of people come to the streets with a message saying that we say no to racism, we say no to thuggery.” Mr Finucane said he has spoken to the people affected by the unrest who have been left “very afraid”, adding: “I spoke at length this week to say that I wanted to see the perpetrator of Monday night’s attack brought before the courts to feel the full weight of the criminal justice system come down to bear upon him for his actions. ‌ “But I also want to see the same for those people who think it’s acceptable to burn families out of their homes, to burn buses, to make sure that business is closed, to make people feel unsafe in their own city and in their own homes.” Demonstrators heard speeches from Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Belfast Róis-Máire Donnelly and People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll. ‌ Addressing the crowd, Ms Donnelly said: “What we have witnessed in Belfast across recent days has been deeply disturbing. “My thoughts remain with the victim of the violent assault in North Belfast, with the wider community affected, and with those who have been attacked, forced from their homes or made to feel unsafe. “No one should experience that – this is not acceptable and it does not represent Belfast.” ‌ Addressing the demonstrators, Mr Carroll said: “We will not tolerate the disgusting … racist and fascist ideology, because that’s what we’re seeing, unfortunately, across this city and unfortunately in West Belfast as well. “It’ll be the actions of everybody here that will make sure that fascism goes back under the rotten cave where it belongs. “It’ll be actions of people here that will defeat the fascist and far-right ideology and parties in this city.” ‌ He said migrants and asylum seekers “are welcome”, adding: “The Royal Victoria Hospital could not function if it wasn’t for people from India and Africa looking after us, so we don’t buy into this nonsense.” Former Sinn Féin president was among those in attendance at the community solidarity rally. Article continues below Other speakers included Raied Al-Wazzan of the Belfast Islamic Centre and Gerry McConville, director of Falls Community Council. For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.