Race Hate Attack In Village
South Belfast racists are being blamed for a pipe bomb attack on the home of two South African women.
On Wednesday night an explosive device was hurled through the living room window of the womens Donegall Avenue home. Although it failed to explode both women were left badly shaken by the ordeal.
The shocking incident came just days after the British Nazi Party leafleted the Donegall Road with pamphlets describing asylum seekers as unwanted invaders and warning locals that these criminals will be given your taxes and council houses. Local community leaders have condemned the attack.
The two female occupants of the house were too frightened to be identified. However, they did give a harrowing account of Wednesday nights attack.
I heard the window smash and when I went downstairs there was a brick and a metallic object in the room, said one of the terrified women. We contacted the police and they arrived on the scene with soldiers. I have only been in Belfast a couple of days and I am really frightened.
Tura Artura of the African Cultural Centre condemned the attack and blamed the distribution of anti-immigrant literature for the heightening of racial tensions. Tura also called on Village residents to take to the streets and protest against the race-hate gangs living in their midst.
It is time people took the bull by the horns and showed these Nazis they are not welcome, said the race relations worker.
They incite hatred and prey on peoples ignorance. I have no doubt this bomb attack was linked to the sick flyers handed out in the Village last week.
A spokesman for the South Belfast branch of the British Nazi Party said that despite the attack his race hate group would continue to distribute their propaganda throughout the Village. This won't put us off, he said. We intend bringing our message to as many people as possible.
However, his comments were condemned by local UUP councillor Bob Stoker.
I totally condemn those behind this attack and any documents that may have incited it, said the Ulster Unionist.
The Village with its high population of ethnic minorities is fast developing a reputation as the racial conflict capital of Northern Ireland.
Last summer a Nigerian family and a Chinese family were forced to flee their homes after numerous attacks. A few weeks later a sinister Ku Klux Klan mural was painted on a wall in Great Northern Street.
Worryingly Wednesdays pipe bomb attack occurred during Northern Ireland Refugee Week and on the same day the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland published a report claiming asylum seekers are demonised, discriminated against and often forced to live in fear .
Such are the concerns over the demonisation of immigrants and asylum seekers that a respected South Belfast church group will address the issue at a special service on Sunday.
Journalist: Ciaran Barnes
South Belfast News
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