• Thousands gathered in Belfast for anti-racism rallies following riots sparked by a stabbing.
• The violent unrest targeted homes of ethnic minorities, with significant damage reported.
• Demonstrators aimed to show that the majority of Belfast residents support inclusivity.
• Officials condemned the violence and called for stronger political leadership against racism.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered on Saturday in Belfast to denounce anti-immigrant violence that erupted following a stabbing incident. This unrest, which saw significant damage to properties belonging to ethnic minorities, including attacks on homes and local businesses, was triggered by a violent knife attack caught on video. The assailant, a Sudanese man named Hadi Alodid, is facing charges of attempted murder after the attack left the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, hospitalized and partly blind, according to Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye, and Los Angeles Times.

The rally in Belfast showcased placards with messages such as "Hate is the only threat to our streets" and "Protect people not prejudice." Demonstrators expressed their solidarity against the rioters and emphasized their belief in diversity and acceptance. At the event, Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International noted, “the vast majority of people in Belfast are anti-racist, they are very welcoming to migrants and minorities,” urging for political leadership to address the rise of racism effectively, according to Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.

As a result of the earlier disturbances, which included the torching of homes and attacks on local businesses predominantly owned by ethnic minorities, more than two dozen people became homeless. Local officials, including Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, criticized the actions of the rioters and described the atmosphere of fear created among minority communities as "completely unacceptable." Councillor Seamas de Faoite shared that the community gathered to show their outrage toward the "racist violence" that had unfolded, highlighting the need for unity against such acts, as reported by Los Angeles Times, Middle East Eye, and Al Jazeera.