Northern Ireland: Amnesty warns against racist backlash after north Belfast knife attack

Amnesty International has warned against attempts to exploit a knife attack in north Belfast to spread hatred, with Northern Ireland Director Patrick Corrigan saying:

“Like everyone else, I was shocked by yesterday’s knife attack in north Belfast. My thoughts are first and foremost with the victim, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery. The police must now be allowed to carry out their investigation and ensure justice is done.

“The actions of one individual must never be used to stigmatise an entire community, nationality or faith group. Every day, serious crimes are committed by people born and raised in Northern Ireland, yet we rightly do not hold whole communities responsible for the actions of individuals. The same principle must apply here.

“We are already hearing deep fears from minority ethnic and migrant communities about the potential for a racist backlash. People are worried about their safety, about going to work, taking their children out, or simply going about their daily lives.

“Northern Ireland has witnessed organised racist violence in recent years, causing immense harm to individuals and communities. Political leaders and the wider public must stand firmly against any attempt to cynically exploit this incident to spread hatred or division. We cannot allow violence against one person to become an excuse for violence against many others.”