Anti-Immigrant Riots Erupt After Stabbing in Northern Ireland; Victim's Family Urges Calm

(Central News Agency, Belfast, 10th – Combined Foreign Reports) A stabbing attack in Belfast, the capital of British Northern Ireland, has triggered anti-immigrant violence, leading to riots across the city. The family of the victim appealed for calm on Tuesday.

According to The Guardian, Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye in the attack on the 8th and is currently hospitalized. Images related to the incident spread widely on social media late that night and throughout the following day.

Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with the attempted murder of Ogilvie, threatening to kill an NHS radiographer on the same day, and possession of a knife.

Hours after billionaire Elon Musk, far-right activist Tommy Robinson, and other agitators urged people to take to the streets, large crowds, including masked individuals, set fire to vehicles and homes and blocked roads in Belfast and surrounding areas on Monday night.

Ogilvie's family issued a statement through Phillip Brett, a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor for North Belfast, saying: "We are absolutely heartbroken that our loved one has been subjected to such a horrific attack. This is a massive blow to our entire family, and our priority right now is to be by his side and help him recover."

They emphasized that they "do not welcome" a response of unrest and division to the attack. "We are aware of the tensions and protest rhetoric this incident has caused. We want to make it clear that the rioting overnight is not welcome and that peaceful protest is the only way forward."

The family further stated: "Many immigrants make valuable contributions to our country, including to our healthcare system and hospitality industry, and our nation relies on them to function. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide society or stoke hostility."

On Monday, it was reported that Alodid had entered the UK from Ireland and was granted permission to stay for five years. After a brief court appearance on Tuesday, he was remanded in custody for four weeks. Judge Steven Keown denied Alodid bail, and the case was adjourned until July 8th. (Edited by He Hongru) 1150610