Thousands gather for anti-racism rally after Belfast unrest

Thousands gathered for an anti-racism rally in Belfast after unrest sparked by a stabbing attack, with protesters carrying signs condemning hate. The violence followed two nights of chaos after a video of Monday night’s knife attack circulated online. Sudanese man Hadi Alodid appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie, who remains hospitalized. Rioters had torched homes and vehicles, targeting ethnic minority residents, and a Middle Eastern supermarket was destroyed. Northern Ireland officials condemned the violence, while local voices stressed the need to oppose hate crimes, which have surged to a 20-year high according to a December report.