The anti-immigration rallies are set to take place at 7pm on Thursday evening
Protestors at an anti-immigration rally at Stormont estate earlier this month
Immigrant communities throughout Northern Ireland have been advised to be “vigilant and careful” in certain areas ahead of planned protests.
On Thursday evening, September 18, at 7pm, a number of anti-immigration protests dubbed ‘Operation Shutdown’ are planned to take place throughout the region.
Plans, locations and times for the protests have been circulating widely on social media, and include locations across Belfast, Bangor, Glengormley, Cookstown, and Coleraine.
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African and Caribbean Support Northern Ireland (ASCONI) compiled a list of locations protests are expected to take place, and issued a “community alert.” They said: “If you live in the following areas, please be vigilant and careful.
“PSNI has given us assurances they are monitoring the situation. We urge you to avoid these areas if you can as your safety is not guaranteed as previous events prove.
“Your safety and that of your family is in your own hands. Be cautious and be safe.”
An image shared on social media promoting a rally states details of Thursday’s rallies can not be revealed until the last minute due to “Republican Marxist aggression.” The post also calls on those planning to take part to “keep it peaceful.”
Police said they are aware of the protests and are planning for a “proportionate policing response.” A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are aware of planned protests taking place across multiple locations this evening, Thursday 18th September from 7pm. We are monitoring the situation and are planning for a proportionate policing response.”
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