Police and politicians must respond more effectively to a campaign of racist intimidation in Antrim, Amnesty International said today.

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International, said:

“This sustained campaign of racist intimidation across Antrim is appalling.  

“It seems clear that in Antrim, as in other places we have seen gangs of masked men carry out racist attacks on homes and community buildings, that there is illegal paramilitary involvement.

“It is outrageous that, in 2024, the threat of violence from armed and dangerous groups is determining who can live where in Northern Ireland, rather than the lawful authorities. The neo-Nazi graffiti throughout the town overnight is a further attempt to frighten and intimidate ordinary people.

“For this to end, we must see resolute police action and courageous political leadership, both to reassure the victims of these horrendous crimes, but also to hold to account those responsible.

“To defeat racism and sectarianism, we need both words and action.”