Irvine Condemns Sectarian Intimidation of Pregnant Woman in Suffolk Estate

“I was deeply disturbed to hear that a heavily pregnant Catholic woman was forced to flee her home in the Suffolk Estate after being threatened and having her car vandalised in what the PSNI are treating as a sectarian hate crime. This is not only an attack on one individual or one family, it is an attack on the wider community in West Belfast.

No woman should ever have to fear for her safety, especially not while carrying a child. No person should be made to feel that they are unwelcome in their own home, in their own city, because of their background or faith.

Sectarianism needs to be confronted head-on. It will have no future in a Republic based on unity, justice and the right to dignity for all people. Those responsible should face the full consequences of their actions.

Solidarity with the family affected and with all those working every day to build bridges between communities in Suffolk, Lenadoon and beyond.

There can be no place for sectarian hatred in this city or in any other part of Ireland. Anyone with information is welcome to come forward in confidence to myself or to Aontú Béal Feirste.”

ENDS

Statement originally issued while serving as an Aontú representative.