The Northern Ireland Assembly has been summoned to meet this Thursday, August 8 after the recent disorder in Belfast.
The Assembly, which was set to be on recess through September 1, is being summoned to debate a motion that, in part, seeks to condemn the "criminal damage and targeting of businesses in recent days."
The motion also calls for the Assembly to "reject all forms of Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism."
It further seeks to endorse the work of "voluntary sector organizations combatting racism and supporting those impacted by it," as well as recognize "the work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other public sector bodies protecting our communities during the recent unrest."
The motion also calls upon Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly to finalize the draft Refugee Integration Strategy, bring forward the renewed Race Relations Order, and set out the process of replacing the Racial Equality Strategy 2015-2025 by the end of this year.
Edwin Poots MLA, Speaker of the Assembly, reminded members in his letter that no matters of the day or urgent questions can be selected for Thursday's meeting.
The Business Committee will meet on Tuesday morning to discuss the arrangements for the debate, Poots added.
The Assembly is hereby summoned to meet on Thursday 8 August 2024 at 12pm.
The Business Committee will meet at 10.30am on Tuesday 6 August 2024 to discuss the arrangements for the debate.
More information: https://t.co/hCTAvWpUen pic.twitter.com/4bNNJ38Sgt
— Northern Ireland Assembly (@niassembly) August 5, 2024
In a statement on Sunday, the PSNI said a protest involving approximately 600 people had formed in the City Hall area on Saturday morning.
"After a period of time and attempts to march to the Belfast Islamic Centre, which was prevented by police, some of those at the protest dispersed into the Botanic Avenue, University Street, Lower Ormeau, Holyland, and Donegall Road areas where sporadic violence developed for a period," PSNI said on Sunday.
"Throughout the course of the evening, further disorder was reported in the Sandy Row area where a business premises was also set on fire.
"A number of nearby roads were closed by police to ensure the safety of the public and local residents, and to enable officers to deal with the situation and disorder safely. All roads were subsequently reopened."
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said on Sunday that the PSNI was dealing with "a number of reports of criminal damage, assault, and arson – as well as other related offenses" as a result of the disorder on Saturday.
“So far we have made four arrests for a number of offenses, including disorderly behavior, assault on police, taking part in an un-notified procession, riotous behavior, and possession of fireworks without a license.
“There were four reports of assault made to police involving members of the public. Serious injuries, thankfully, were not reported.
“Three police officers also sustained injuries as a consequence of this disorder, two officers remained on duty and one officer was relieved from duty after suffering concussion.
“Such attacks on officers are totally unacceptable and I would place on record my gratitude for the professional actions of officers as they dealt with yesterday’s events."
ACC Beck said on Sunday that the PSNI had so far received 13 reports of criminal damage, but were expecting to receive more.
“Some of these reports included extensive damage caused to local businesses with windows being broken and damage also caused to vehicles parked in the local community – some of which were burnt out," he said.
“There were also five reports of arson including a bin being set on fire, youths throwing petrol bombs, and fire damage to business premises in the Donegall Road area.
"It was necessary to evacuate an apartment block in a building set on fire, such was the recklessness of the disorder.”
We strongly condemn the violence and disorder witnessed yesterday, Saturday 3rd August, which has no place in Belfast or anywhere else.
We are working hard to identify those responsible, who will be dealt with using the full force of the law. More here: https://t.co/WGvijX0nNn pic.twitter.com/GRTjDxyWro
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 4, 2024
On Monday, PSNI confirmed that four men had been charged in connection with violence and disorder in Belfast.
A 53-year-old has been charged with resisting police, three counts of assault on police, and disorderly behavior.
A 46-year-old man has also been charged with disorderly behavior and resisting police.
A 38-year-old has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense, possession of fireworks without a license, and riotous behavior. He also faces the charge of disorderly behavior.
A 34-year-old has also been charged with taking part in an un-notified public procession.
The four men were due to appear in Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
PSNI said they are continuing to gather evidence, CCTV, and other footage of Saturday's events, and anyone who has information or who can help identify those responsible is asked to contact police on 101.
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
Four men, aged 53, 46, 38 and 34, have been charged to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court this morning following violence and disorder across Belfast on Saturday, 3rd August.
Read more: https://t.co/p3ZQjfjIvH pic.twitter.com/TBewDvsG5T
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 5, 2024
Meanwhile, the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland both spoke with PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher on Monday,
O'Neill said on X that she and Boutcher "agreed that the shared priority must be protecting lives and property and facing down racism, violence and intimidation."
O'Neill, who is also the vice president of Sinn Féin, noted that her party was supporting the recall of the Assembly this week.
There is no place anywhere on our island for racism or attacks on minority communities.
Today, I spoke to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, and we agreed that the shared priority must be protecting lives and property and facing down racism, violence and intimidation.…
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 5, 2024
Deputy First Minister Little-Pengelly said on Monday that she had also spoken with the Chief Constable.
"There is no place for thuggery in NI," she said.
The First Minister and I have spoken with the Chief Constable today.
We all stand united in tackling intimidation, disorder and violence and firmly against hate and racism. The vast, vast majority of people throughout NI do likewise.
There is no place for thuggery in NI. pic.twitter.com/YdjICqO0pL
— Emma Little-Pengelly BL (@little_pengelly) August 5, 2024
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