Two arrested after tensions rise at Belfast City Hall protest

Police have arrested two men following disturbances near a protest at Belfast City Hall on Tuesday evening (2 December), after a second group arrived at the scene and began antagonising demonstrators.

Officers were deployed to the area when the protest began at around 5.30pm, with the PSNI confirming that the demonstration had remained peaceful until shortly after 6.30pm.

According to police, tensions escalated when a separate group approached the protest and engaged in disruptive behaviour. A man in his late teens was subsequently arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour.

A second man, aged in his 40s, was also arrested in the City Hall area for disorderly behaviour, though police say this incident was unrelated to the protest itself. Both men remain in custody.

The PSNI said an evidence-gathering operation is underway and that footage from the scene will be reviewed to determine whether further offences have been committed.

In a statement, the police emphasised the importance—yet limits—of lawful protest:

“The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest. However, these rights are limited by 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.”

The protest came amid heightened political tensions in the city following ongoing disputes surrounding the flying of the Palestinian flag at Belfast City Hall.