Hundreds attend rally in Belfast against Donald Trump's 'Muslim ban'

Hundreds of people have attended a protest in Belfast against Donald Trump's immigration ban.

The vigil was organised by those opposed to his latest policy which stops people from seven mainly muslim countries entering the US.

Today it emerged the First and deputy First Ministers invited the American President to Northern Ireland.

Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International says if he visits, he can expect more rallies here like the one held tonight.

Meanwhile, a refugee from Somalia, who has made his home in Northern Ireland, also spoke at the vigil.

Suleiman Abdulahi fled Somalia when the civil war broke out over twenty years ago. He now works as a translator and has set up a charity to help people from Africa who have moved to Northern Ireland.

He said “Refugees are ordinary people caught up in extraordinary, awful times. That’s what happened to me. When war or persecution happen, you need sanctuary and a chance to rebuild, not a blanket ban because of your nationality or religion. 

“This ban means that refugees – the very people who are fleeing violence – are being treated not as victims but as a threat. Sadly, it also fuels the demonisation of people of the Muslim faith in the United States and beyond.

“I am happy to join this vigil, with so many of my Northern Ireland neighbours and friends, to ask the US government to reconsider this inhumane policy.”

The demonstration has been organised by two American women living in Northern Ireland, Jennie Carlsten and Elizabeth Nelson, and is supported by Amnesty International. The vigil will take place outside the US consulate general in south Belfast at 6pm on Thursday. It is one of many demonstrations in towns and cities being held across the UK, the USA and elsewhere.