Belfast: Anti-pride protestor's comments being treated as hate crime

Footage has been widely shared on social media

PSNI
Author: Chloe StjohnPublished 31st Jul 2023

Public comments made by a religious protestor before Belfast Pride at the weekend are being treated as a hate crime.

Footage of the incident, in which the man used a microphone in the city centre, has been widely shared on social media.

Police say body cam footage gathered by officers is being reviewed.

PSNI Superintendent Christian Bradley said, ““Police are aware of a video circulating on social media showing a male using a public address system in the Royal Avenue area of the city on Saturday, 29th July prior to the Belfast Pride Parade.”

“Officers were present at the scene and gathered evidence on Body Worn video. This footage is being reviewed by investigators.”

“The incident is being treated as a hate crime.”

Saturday's pride event was the biggest in the city to date - with more than 250 different groups taking part in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

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