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racism via Shutterstock
Protest
Thousands march in Belfast against "worrying rise in racist attacks"
The protesters were also demanding “effective political action against racism”.
THOUSANDS MARCHED THROUGH Belfast today in an anti-racism demonstration.
The ‘United Against Racism’ march was prompted by what organisers called a “worrying rise in racist attacks”.
Organised by Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Amnesty International, and the Northern Ireland Council for Ethnic Minorities, the protesters were demanding “effective political action against racism”.
They also criticised the lack of a Racial Equality Strategy.
The march comes in the wake of both First Minister Peter Robinson and a pastor apologising for remarks made against Muslims.
Last week, Robinson said he would not trust Muslims for spiritual guidance but would trust them to “go down to the shops for me”.
He later claimed that his comments had been misinterpreted and that he was prepared to meet with Muslim leaders to demonstrate his ongoing support for them.
The PSNI said today’s march passed without incident.
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