The Polish Consulate in Belfast has issued a security alert for Polish citizens following violent riots that erupted after a brutal stabbing attack in northern Belfast on June 9.
Consulate Alert and Security Status
The Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Belfast released a statement on June 10, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution, follow updates from local authorities, and adhere to official instructions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maciej Wewiór confirmed that the consulate has received no reports of Polish citizens among those injured during the unrest.
Details of the Attack and Victim
Riots began on Monday, June 9, the same day a stabbing occurred in northern Belfast. According to BBC reports, 40-year-old Stephen Ogilvie was the victim of the assault. The attack resulted in the loss of his left eye and caused severe injuries to his right eye, neck, and back. He remains hospitalized.
Suspect Charged and Remanded
Police have charged 30-year-old Hadi Alodid, a Sudanese national residing in the area, with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and making threats to kill a healthcare worker. A British Home Office spokesperson confirmed that Alodid arrived in the UK in 2023 and was granted refugee status. He has been remanded in custody, with a court hearing scheduled for July 8.
Victim’s Family Condemns Violence
The riots were triggered by footage of the attack circulating online, spread primarily by right-wing activists. The family of Stephen Ogilvie issued a statement, cited by Al Jazeera, condemning the violence directed at immigrants. They emphasized that many migrants make valuable contributions to the country and expressed a desire for the tragedy not to be used to sow division or fuel hostility.
