Anti-Immigrant Violence Spreads From Belfast to Glasgow After Knife Attack

Anti-Immigrant Violence Spreads From Belfast to Glasgow After Knife Attack
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Racist and anti-immigrant unrest has shaken parts of Belfast and Glasgow after a serious knife attack in Northern Ireland was amplified online by far-right voices.

The violence began after Stephen Ogilvie was seriously injured in a knife attack in north Belfast. Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese man, was later charged with attempted murder. Police have said the attack is not being treated as terrorism-related.

In the days that followed, anti-immigrant demonstrations in Belfast turned violent, with masked rioters setting fire to vehicles and buildings, attacking homes and targeting businesses linked to migrants and ethnic minority communities. Around 27 people were made homeless, while police used water cannon and plastic baton rounds to disperse crowds.

The unrest also spread to Scotland, where anti-immigration protests in Glasgow led to disorder near the city centre. Worshippers at Glasgow Central Mosque were locked inside for their safety as marchers appeared to head toward the building.

Police Scotland said three men were arrested after the Glasgow disorder, in which two police officers and three members of the public were injured. Scottish First Minister John Swinney condemned the scenes, saying racism, hatred and intimidation have no place in Scotland.