Thousands attend anti-racism rally in Belfast after violence

During the riots, hundreds of masked men torched properties, with many belonging to ethnic minority residents. Footage showed children being evacuated from homes set ablaze. A Middle Eastern supermarket was also targeted and destroyed, with its manager reporting the loss of produce and equipment.

The violence continued for a second night, with reports of a "hit list" of homes housing foreign nationals being circulated. The unrest has instilled fear among ethnic communities, with some residents hesitant to return to their homes. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn described the situation as "completely unacceptable," citing reports of people being stopped and asked their nationality.

Councillor Seamas de Faoite stated that attendees at Saturday's rally were "appalled" by the "racist violence." An official report released in December found that race hate crimes in Northern Ireland had reached their highest level in two decades.