'Just a petrol bomb away from murder'

Plea to stop scapegoating migrants

- BY JONATHAN MCCAMBRIDGE

NORTHERN Ireland is just one petrol bomb away from a racist murder, a rally in the centre of Belfast has heard.

Hundreds attended the event at City Hall which followed five nights of disturbances and rioting in towns in the region.

The rally heard calls for political leadership in opposing racism.

In the latest disorder on Friday night, police were attacked with petrol bombs in Portadown, following violence in Ballymena earlier in the week.

The rally, which was addressed by trade union leaders and politicians, took place in driving rain.

Participants carried placards and chanted: "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here" and "When migrant rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up, fight back."

Addressing the event, Amnesty International Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said "the ugly face of racism has shown itself on our streets".

He added: "We have come very close this week to the loss of life.

"We are just one petrol bomb away from racially motivated murder.

"Too many political leaders have chosen to fan the flames of hate rather than put them out.