An anti-immigration demonstration at Stormont on Saturday drew around 100 protesters, with reporters and photographers facing harassment from attendees who accused the media of spreading “fake news” and told them they were “not welcome”.
The rally was organised by The Great Province Wide Protest NI and saw both the Union flag and Irish tricolour on display. Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Ballymena says no to sex offenders”, “Deport every illegal” and “Protect our women and children”.
Anti-immigration activist Steve Baker delivered a fiery speech referencing his recent arrest. Baker told the crowd: “Most of you know that I was arrested last Friday morning (about) 2.30 or 2.40am. The reason being was they were doing me for criminal damage, and to be honest, I was quite embarrassed that they called it criminal damage.” He claimed Stormont politicians were part of a “globalist agenda” and said he was highlighting “corruption and tyranny”.
Baker, 44, has been charged with criminal damage and is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court later this month. Known for his anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown activism during the Covid-19 pandemic, he was previously convicted of breaching coronavirus regulations in 2021.
Also present was Neil Pinkerton, 37, a controversial fox hunter with a history of animal cruelty allegations. Pinkerton, who once faced but was cleared of animal cruelty charges, is believed to lead a vigilante group in east Belfast targeting people perceived to be migrants. He has become a regular figure at anti-immigration protests across Northern Ireland.
Both Baker and Pinkerton also took part in last month’s demonstration outside Newtownabbey’s Chimney Corner Hotel.
The rally has raised fresh concerns about the growing prominence of anti-immigration movements in Northern Ireland, as well as increasing hostility towards journalists covering such events.
