THE Derry branch of United Against Racism is organising a solidarity rally for this Saturday in response to the unrest that has gripped parts of Northern Ireland.
People are being urged to gather at the city’s Guildhall at 2pm on Saturday.
A spokesperson for United Against Racism said, “The shocking and brutal attack on a man in North Belfast was a cruel and appalling crime.
“Unfortunately knife crime seems to be more and more prevalent on our streets.
“UAR sends our love and solidarity to the victim and wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“There have been many violent acts of appalling cruelty that have not triggered the kind of response we have seen over the last few days.
“There were no riots or shutdowns over the senseless killings of young women by their former partners.
“Two women in this city have been brutally murdered in the last two years. The racist rioters won’t even know their names because their alleged killers were white men.
“Racists exploit tragedies like the horrific events of Monday night to push their warped agendas.
“They see human misery as something to be exploited.
“There is no empathy in their actions or responses, they are solely driven by racist hatred.
“We know all too well about pogroms in this place.
“The images of the houses burning in Bombay Street as innocent people fled with their belongings are etched into our collective consciousness.
“After 40 years of conflict in this place we know all too well that no group should suffer collective punishment for the actions of one individual.
“Those who riot and destroy claim to be opposed to ‘illegal immigration’ yet their targets have been anyone who lives here and has a different skin colour or religious identity.
“The reaction to the awful events in North Belfast has been exclusively racist.
“UAR will stand with all immigrant communities in the face of such terror.
“We know the people of Derry will stand with us.
“Right wing politicians will not be allowed to whip up hatred and then claim to be shocked by the violence they have instigated.
“We will not allow the scapegoating of immigrants. The people who live here and love here will always be our friends and neighbours. We will not be divided.”
Date: June 13
Time: 2pm
Location: Guildhall Square
