Demo Raps Insult to Muslims in N Ireland
Some 4,000 people gathered outside Belfast City Hall, calling on Peter Robinson to publicly apologize for his recent actions against Muslims.
The protest was called in solidarity with Muslims and other minorities in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this week, Robinson voiced support for Pastor James McConnell, a cleric who has denounced Islam in his sermons. In addition, Robison caused further anger after stating in an interview that he would not trust Muslims who adhered to Sharia law.
The Northern Ireland’s first minister later apologized for his actions during a private meeting with members from the Islamic Centre based in the university area of South Belfast; however, he has so far not made a public apology.
“I heard the insult, but I haven’t heard the apology. I heard that he apologized before three men behind closed doors – that’s not an apology,” said a speaker at the Belfast rally, Mohammed Samaana.
In addition, Samaana called on Pastor McConnell to condemn the recent spike in racist attacks in districts of greater Belfast against Muslims and other ethnic minorities.
In April, Will Kerr, a senior police officer, revealed that the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) had been orchestrating racist attacks in south and east Belfast. The group was responsible for an overall 70 percent increase in hate crime in the city.
Source: Press TV
