Politicians condemn attack on Belfast Islamic Centre while people prayed
Politicians have condemned an attack on the Islamic Centre in
Belfast
that was carried out while people were praying on Friday evening.
A local MLA said a device was thrown into the building during evening prayer, forcing it to be evacuated.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said he was 'deeply concerned by the shameful attack'.
'Hatred of this sort has no place in Northern Ireland. If anyone has any information about this, please contact the PSNI,' he said.
READ MORE
Police said they attended a security alert on University Road in south Belfast on Friday night.
A number of cordons were put in place and members of the public were asked to avoid the area.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and taken into police custody.
Alliance MLA for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw condemned the attack, which she said did 'not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025'.
'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.
'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.
'I would like to express my solidarity with all those who were evacuated and my thanks to all those who worked to ensure their safety.'
Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said 'no one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship'.
'Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home.
'It's vital that all political leaders speak out and stand united against this disgusting behaviour.'
Green Party councillor Aine Groogan condemned the attack as a 'cowardly and vicious act'.
'I am horrified to hear about the attack on the Islamic Centre during evening prayers,' she said.
'I want to pay tribute to the courageous passer-by who intervened and prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
'It is terrifying to consider what might have happened and I sincerely hope that all those present are recovering from this traumatic ordeal.'
She added: 'This attack is yet another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community. The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society.
'We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt.
'I urge those politicians who continue to hide behind the notion of so-called 'legitimate concerns' around migration to reflect on the consequences of their words.
'Such narratives are as disingenuous as they are dangerous. They help foster a culture in which hate can thrive. Frankly, they should know better.' - PA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Times
33 minutes ago
- Irish Times
Terrorism inquiry into Kneecap's alleged call to murder Tory MPs dropped, Met Police confirms
None of the members of Belfast rap group Kneecap will be prosecuted over comments allegedly calling for British Conservative Party MPs to be killed. The Metropolitan Police has decided not to prosecute the band over the comments made at a concert in November 2023 . A clip posted on social media showed an unidentified member of the group saying: 'Kill your local MP. The only good Tory is a dead Tory.' The smartphone footage was made available to the Met Police in April following Kneecap's appearance at the Coachella festival in the US, at which the group displayed banners criticising Israel's actions in Gaza . READ MORE In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said it was dropping the inquiry because the alleged offences happened outside the statutory time limit for prosecution. 'A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service,' the force said. 'A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution. 'Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.' The Met said it understood the 'impact this decision may have' on MPs and their staff. 'The safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing,' it said. 'MPs who may be concerned about their safety can contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.' Kneecap later apologised for the comments to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, who died in 2021 and 2016 respectively. The trio stated: 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt.' A Met Police spokesman stressed that the matter was entirely separate from the charge of terrorism arising out of the alleged displaying of a Hizbullah flag at a Kneecap concert on November 21st last at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Hizbullah is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, who goes under the name Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18th . He was also filmed saying, 'up Hamas , up Hizbullah'. At the hearing, Brenda Campbell, the defendant's lawyer, claimed the charge was brought too late, as it came more than six months after the alleged crime was committed. Judge Paul Goldspring said a further hearing would be held on August 20th to determine whether the defence was correct in this assessment. The band had faced calls to be pulled from the bill at Glastonbury but played to a large crowd at the Somerset event on Saturday .
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Terrorism charges against Kneecap over alleged call to murder Tory MPs dropped, Met Police confirms
None of the members of Belfast rap group Kneecap will be prosecuted over comments allegedly calling for British Conservative Party MPs to be killed. The Metropolitan Police has decided not to prosecute the band over the comments made at a concert in November 2023 . A clip posted on social media showed an unidentified member of the band saying: 'Kill your local MP. The only good Tory is a dead Tory.' The smartphone footage was made available to the Met Police in April following Kneecap's appearance at the Coachella festival in the US, at which the group displayed banners criticising Israel's actions in Gaza . READ MORE In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said it was dropping the charges because the alleged offences happened outside the statutory time limit for prosecution. 'A thorough investigation has now been completed by detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, which included interviewing an individual under caution and seeking early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service,' the force said. 'A range of offences were considered as part of the investigation. However, given the time elapsed between the events in the video and the video being brought to police attention, any potential summary only offences were beyond the statutory time limit for prosecution. 'Relevant indictable offences were considered by the investigation team and, based on all of the current evidence available, a decision has been made that no further action will be taken at this time.' The Met said it understood the 'impact this decision may have' on MPs and their staff. 'The safety and security of MPs is something that is taken extremely seriously across the whole of policing,' it said. 'MPs who may be concerned about their safety can contact their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.' Kneecap later apologised for the comments to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox, who died in 2021 and 2016 respectively. The trio stated: 'To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt.' A Met Police spokesman stressed that the charge related to calling on Tory MPs to be killed is entirely separate from the charge of terrorism arising out of the alleged displaying of a Hizbullah flag at a Kneecap concert on November 21st last at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Hizbullah is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, who goes under the name Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18th . He was also filmed saying, 'up Hamas , up Hizbullah'. At the hearing, Brenda Campbell, the defendant's lawyer, claimed the charge was brought too late, as it came more than six months after the alleged crime was committed. Judge Paul Goldspring said a further hearing would be held on August 20th to determine whether the defence was correct in this assessment. The band had faced calls to be pulled from the bill at Glastonbury but played to a large crowd at the Somerset event on Saturday .
Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Murder inquiry begins after pregnant woman dies in Co Down
A murder investigation has been begun after a pregnant woman was found dead in Donaghadee, Co Down , the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Sunday. The woman was named as Sarah Montgomery, a 27 year-old a mother of two. A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Det Chief Insp Tom Phillips said police received a report at about 2.15pm on Saturday of an unconscious woman with a serious injury inside a house in the Elmfield Walk area. 'Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who provided medical treatment at the scene,' he added. READ MORE He said Ms Montgomery, who was pregnant, was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Inquiries are at an early stage into this deeply tragic case. Our thoughts are also with Sarah's family during this incredibly difficult time as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened,' Mr Phillips added. 'Sarah's family are being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.' North Area Chief Insp Yvonne McManus added: 'We understand this news will cause shock and concern within the community. 'Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help. 'We recognise the profound impact that violence against women and girls has on individuals, families and wider society. 'Addressing this issue remains a key priority, and we are committed to engaging directly with the local community to offer support, build trust, and help people feel safe. 'I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101.' – PA
