Belfast: Family of attack victim appeals for calm
Message against incitement to violence after riots erupt in the city
The family of the victim of the stabbing attack in Belfast has appealed for calm, after riots broke out across the city.
Stephen Ogilvie is in hospital having lost his left eye in the attack in Belfast, the video of which was widely shared on social media late Monday night and throughout Tuesday.
Khadim Alodid, a 30-year-old man from Sudan, appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, charged with the attempted murder of Ogilvie, making a death threat against an NHS radiologist on the same day, and possession of a knife.
Crowds, including hooded individuals, set vehicles and homes on fire and blocked roads in and around Belfast on Tuesday night, hours after Elon Musk, Tommy Robinson and other agitators urged people to take to the streets.
“We are devastated by the horrific attack on our loved one,” Ogilvie’s family said in a statement released through Phillip Brett, DUP MLA for North Belfast.
“This has been a huge shock to our entire family, and our only priority at this time is to be by his side and help him recover. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hatred.”
They added that the riots and division are “not welcome” as a response to the attack. “We are aware of the tensions and talk of protests following this incident. We want to make it absolutely clear that the overnight riots are not welcome and that peaceful protest is the only way forward,” they said.
“We have many immigrants who make a deeply valuable contribution to our country, including to the health system and the hospitality industry, and we rely on them to make our country function. We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hatred.”
On Tuesday it emerged that Alodid had been granted a five-year residence permit in the UK after entering via Ireland. After the brief hearing on Wednesday, he was remanded in custody for four weeks. Judge Stephen Keown refused to grant Alodid bail and the case was adjourned until July 8.
In an unusual intervention, referring to the riots that took place across Belfast following the attack, the judge condemned “the fact that these emergency services are being attacked” and stressed that those responsible would be dealt with severely.
Referring directly to messages circulating on Wednesday encouraging protesters to continue gathering, wearing masks and dark clothing, he said that those involved in the violence “can also expect to be sent to prison,” adding: “And that message will be sent clearly and loudly.”
Ogilvie’s family said: “We want to express a deep thanks to the locals who intervened bravely during the attack. Your quick actions absolutely saved his life and we will never forget what you did for him at that moment. We also want to thank the emergency services and the doctors and nurses caring for him.”
They asked for privacy from the media and the public, and earnestly begged anyone with information about the attack to contact the police.
(With information from Guardian)
