POLICE have urged caution as anti-immigration and anti-racism campaigners will hold competing rallies in Belfast and Derry later this month.
A poster entitled Time to Rise circulated online, calls for a peaceful protests at 1pm on March 23 outside Belfast City hall and the Guildhall in Derry, against “mass, illegal unvetted immigration and the dangers it is bringing to our communities”.
At the same time and location in Belfast, a counter protest backed by Amnesty International and several other groups – a “peaceful community gathering” against racism is taking place.
The United Against Racism Derry and North West group has also called for supporters to attend a rally that day outside the Guildhall at 12.30pm to mark the global day for Palestine, Al Quds Day.
This will coincide with other events taking place across Britain and Europe to mark the occasion.
Asked about the competing events, a police spokesperson said: “Police are aware of this scheduled event and we will be playing our part to ensure the safety of participants and to facilitate the lawful exercise of freedom of expression.
“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights. They are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest.
“However, these rights must be balanced with the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.”
Earlier this month, one of the organisers of the anti-immigration protest called for “both sides of the community” to unite against immigration.
Last summer, around 50 were arrested and at least 38 charged after a series of racist attacks and riots in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.
A previous poster for the March 23 protests featured an AI-generated image of a lion surrounded by both flags.
One march organiser also uploaded a video to social media encouraging “both communities to come together”.
Earlier this month, South Belfast Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw told The Irish News: “I’m deeply concerned that we are now seeing plans for yet more racist demonstrations.
“I am extremely worried about some of the language being used to promote this rally, particularly the claim that our men, women, and children cannot be exposed to any more harm.”
“It is crucial that all politicians unite to condemn these rallies and expose them for what they truly are.”