NI Executive condemns ‘racially motivated violence’ and urges calm amid Ballymena tensions

A home on Queen Street which was set alight on Tuesday night in Ballymena

The Northern Ireland Executive has issued a strong and unified condemnation this morning. Wednesday 11 June, of recent “racially motivated violence” following serious public disorder in Ballymena and other parts of the region.

In a joint statement on behalf of Ministers representing every political party and department within the Executive, the government denounced the unrest and issued an urgent call for calm across communities.

“The alleged serious sexual assault reported on 7 June in Ballymena was appalling and our collective thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this deeply traumatic time,” the Executive stated.

The statement went on to stress the importance of allowing the justice process to unfold without interference, warning against attempts to manipulate the situation for divisive ends.

“It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course so that this heinous crime can be robustly investigated. Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder.”

The past several days have seen heightened tensions and outbreaks of violence, with police officers injured and communities shaken. The Executive was unequivocal in its condemnation of these actions.

“While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.”

The Ministers extended their appreciation to emergency services for their ongoing efforts during these difficult scenes, offering particular thanks to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

“We send our best wishes to all of those affected by these senseless acts and thank the PSNI and the NI Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in ensuring that no one has been seriously injured or worse.”

Reaffirming their shared commitment to fostering a united and inclusive society, the Executive called upon all citizens to reject efforts to stir hatred and division.

“As an Executive, we work collectively every day to create a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all. We are urging everyone in our communities to play their part in that effort and reject the divisive agenda being pursued by a minority of destructive, bad faith actors.”