First Minister Condemns Police Instructions to Nurses
The First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, has condemned reports that police instructed some nurses from minority backgrounds to show their identification to masked men before entering their workplace, describing the situation as "disgusting".
Violence and Racist Attacks in Belfast
Last week, violence erupted across Belfast, resulting in attacks on homes, businesses, vehicles, and healthcare workers who were targeted in racist incidents. The unrest was triggered after footage of a knife attack in north Belfast on Monday night was widely circulated on social media. The victim sustained serious injuries, and a man has been charged with attempted murder.
While many protests remained peaceful, some individuals engaged in racist violence.
Calls for Serious Investigation
International healthcare workers have reported intimidation and expressed fears for their safety to NI.
If they were not with us our health service would collapse and people would die unnecessarily,
said Health Minister Mike Nesbitt.
Speaking at Stormont, O'Neill acknowledged that Nesbitt was also aware of the reports regarding nurses being asked to show ID. She intends to raise the issue with Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.
If any health care worker was advised by police to show ID to masked men it was "vile and disgusting" and there must be a "serious investigation".
No nurse or person going into their workplace should have to stop at any mob and give their ID - that's absolutely disgraceful.
O'Neill emphasized the need to determine the veracity of these reports.
I think we have to get to the bottom of whether or not that did happen,
she said.
She added that when she initially raised the issue with the chief constable, he dismissed it, but after further discussion and confirmation from both herself and the health minister, he acknowledged the reports.
I put it directly to the chief constable who in the first instance dismissed it but then when I went back to him again he had to take on board that actually, both myself and the health minister were told this by members of staff,
she stated.
Recent Racist Attacks in Northern Ireland
Over the past week, Northern Ireland has experienced a series of racist attacks, including assaults on two homes in Belfast during the weekend.
