Why scared families in Northern Ireland are marking their nationalities on their doors

WorldPolitics
12 Jun 2025 • 11:40 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Terrified families in Ballymena are displaying their nationalities on their front doors after three nights of violence to stop rioters from targeting their homes.
  • Clashes erupted after a social media post advertised a peaceful protest in response to an alleged serious sexual assault; two teenage boys charged with attempted rape have faced court with the aid of a Romanian interpreter.
  • The violent disorder that has since erupted has been slammed as “racist thuggery” and “mob rule” by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
  • Masked rioters hurled petrol bombs, masonry, bricks and fireworks at officers, who responded with a water cannon, dogs and plastic baton rounds.
  • Secretary of state for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn joined widespread condemnation of the “shocking” scenes, warning there is "absolutely no justification for civil disorder".

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