An independent convenience store in south Belfast had been reduced to “ashes” after it was targeted multiple times during anti-immigration rioting in the city following the murder of three children in Southport last week.
According to multiple reports, Sham Supermarket on the Donegall Road, a convenience store run by Syrian immigrants, was severely damaged after multiple attacks.
The supermarket was targeted during Saturday (3) night's disorder, which broke out after an anti-immigration protest in the city. Attempts were again made to torch the business on Monday (5) night but officers were able to put the small fire out before it spread.
Speaking at a special meeting of Belfast Council on Monday (5) evening, Sham Supermarket owner Abdelkader Al Alloush and his colleague Bashir have estimated the cost of the damage to be around £250,000. The two raised the concern whether the store will be attacked again.
As well as the attack on the shop, Bashir said he was also attacked personally by a group of six people. He said he and Alloush, who came to Northern Ireland in 2016 fleeing the war in Syria, had to stand for hours watching the building on fire before they could get inside.
“There is nothing, literally nothing left inside there, ashes only. That’s it. My real question is for the PSNI, where are you when we need you?” he said.
“We can rebuild it (the shop), that’s fine. But the question is, can we be safe? Can we live in peace? Can we go back to our work without feeling any fear? People can show us their sympathies. That’s good, but I want actions. The police should protect us … we live in fear, I live in fear, when I walk the street I am watching my back. I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I wish, from all of my heart, (for) things to change, because it’s time to change.”
Meanwhile, Belfast City Council has passed a motion in support of the people and businesses affected by violence during protests in the city on Saturday (3).
“This council condemns the violent destruction and racist intimidation across the city, caused by far-right agitators on the streets of Belfast over the weekend. We stand in solidarity with those in our minority ethnic communities across the city, who own and run businesses, contribute to our culture and identity in Belfast and make Belfast an open and welcoming place to live, work and study.
“We reiterate our commitment to Belfast being a city of sanctuary for those fleeing war and persecution. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the attack in Southport last week and their families, they deserve justice. Those who would seek to exploit this tragic situation to suit their own malevolent ends do not speak for Belfast nor represent our city.”
It was also agreed that council officers would submit a report to a future special meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, as soon as possible, “to establish a programme of financial assistance for the business owners who were impacted by racist criminal attacks”.
Brian McLister
