Do not use our tragedy to fuel violence, family of Belfast attack victim say
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Stephen Ogilvie remains hospitalized after losing his left eye in a knife attack in Belfast, with his family urging calm and condemning the subsequent riots across the city.
- Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese man granted leave to remain in the UK, was charged with attempted murder, threatening behavior, and possession of a knife, and has been remanded in custody until July 8.
- Following the attack, violent unrest erupted in Belfast, including arson and road blockages, fueled by calls from figures like Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson to protest, prompting a strong judicial condemnation of the violence and attacks on emergency services.
- Ogilvie’s family emphasized the importance of peaceful protest, highlighted the valuable contributions of migrants to the community, and expressed gratitude to those who intervened during the attack and to the emergency responders.
- The judge warned that those involved in the ongoing disorder and attacks on emergency personnel would face serious legal consequences, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on the violence.