The Northern Ireland riots for over the past ten days are creating a lot of news. Unfortunately, over 50 soldiers have already lost their lives, and over 10 of them are under arrest now.
The unrest is taking place in more than one city, and both the Prime Ministers of Ireland and the UK are strongly condemning the incident. The Irish Prime Minister met with his team recently to find a solution for this problem and to stop it at once.
Although all the political parties are against the Northern Ireland riots, the cause of the violence has divided them into groups.
Where are the Northern Ireland riots taking place?
The violence between gangs started growing in March, and it took the most violent turn on march 29. The worst part is that the Northern Ireland riots include children too. The inception of the riots and violence was in the Londonderry area, where people are primarily loyalists.
It means that most of the residents of Londonderry want Ireland to be a part of the UK only. Starting from there, the protests have now spread across several regions, including Carrickfergus, Belfast, Newtownabbey, and Ballymena.
It seems that the violence is doubling with each passing night. According to video clips and eyewitnesses, the most common sight during the violence is loyalists creating a stir by throwing stones, bricks, petrol bombs, and fireworks at the police vehicles and officers trying to control the situation.
Recently, the fighting and violence increased to a level when there were sectarian brawls over the Belfast Peace Wall. This is the monument that divides the Protestant Loyalist areas and the Catholic Nationalist areas.
The latter comprises people who want to free Ireland and make it an independent nation. Protestors smashed the divider gate and were constantly attacking press photographers and police officers.
Moreover, the violence escalated to a level when protesters even hijacked and burnt a bus in the area. The sectarian split between Irish people is visible, and the violence after the 23 years old Peace Treaty creates another history.
Who is responsible for the Northern Ireland riots?
There is still no clear idea about who is strictly responsible for causing the riots. However, it is already clear that it is the work of a particular group that is still fueling protestors to continue. Moreover, the violence source seems to be a vast area that mainly houses criminal gangs and loyalist paramilitaries majorly.
There is considerable evidence against large organizations such as the Ulster volunteer force and the Defense Association. Officials investigating the cause of the Northern Ireland riots are stating that prominent personalities from these organizations allowed the unrest to develop more.
On the contrary, experts suggest that there was significant exploitation of opportunities by the South East Antrim UDA’s loyalist paramilitaries. It was part of revenge against the Northern Ireland police service responsible for one of the latest criminality clampdowns.
This one took place in the Carrickfergus area mainly. However, according to the police, they have no other option but to arrest these criminals considering that the paramilitary group is responsible for several criminal activities.
Is there is Brexit connection?
A large group of union members links this violence and riots to the growing loyalist protests over the Irish Sea Border Issue. The same is the result of the EU-UK Brexit deal.
The trading border is part of the special Northern Ireland Protocol. The government wants it to be there instead of a hard border. The protocol signifies that Northern Island is still an essential part of the European single goods market. Therefore, any goods shifting from the UK to North Ireland or vice versa have to pass through strict EU procedures.
It means there is no requirement for a second check on the borders of Ireland because the same protocol applies to both. However, Unionists believe that this system is responsible for considerable damage in trade. Plus, it is putting North Ireland in a threatful position on the UK map.
In January 2021, there was graffiti on the walls protesting this sea border deal, mainly in the Loyalist area. This includes places like Bangor, Glengormley, Belfast, and the famous Port Larne. Moreover, the Brexit checks were on temporary suspension after there were reports of threats against port workers. However, there was no solid evidence, and the police denied all charges.
