Belfast: Anti-immigrant riots and protests have erupted across Belfast, Northern Ireland, following the arrest of a 30-year-old Sudanese refugee charged with attempted murder. The refugee allegedly attacked a 40-year-old man with a kitchen knife in the northern part of the city. A video of the attack went viral, further fueling the unrest.
According to Thai News Agency, masked protesters have set several cars, including police vehicles and buses, on fire in various streets of Belfast. Molotov cocktails were thrown, causing damage to numerous homes. Reports indicate that over 100 men vandalized shops owned by foreigners and smashed doors and windows in eastern Belfast. The turmoil spread beyond Belfast, with the burning of police cars in Portadown and protests erupting in other cities like London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
The riot stemmed from anger over the case of the Sudanese man, who traveled to Northern Ireland and applied for refugee status in 2023, receiving a temporary extension until 2028. The attack occurred late Monday night in front of a residential building, leaving the victim with severe wounds. A video showed the assailant preparing to decapitate the victim before being stopped by bystanders. The video was shared widely, including by Elon Musk, inciting further protests. The perpetrator has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a sharp weapon in public, and death threats, and is set to appear in court this week.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer condemned the stabbing and reiterated a zero-tolerance policy toward violence on the streets. He also expressed gratitude to the citizens who intervened. Northern Irish Prime Minister Michelle O'Neill criticized the masked protesters for setting fire to homes and warned against using the incident to incite racial hatred.
Northern Ireland police have declared a crisis level of security, deploying armored vehicles and officers to restore order. They confirmed no current evidence of terrorism and cautioned the public against being misled by online trolls attempting to create division.