Graffiti in Belfast probed as ‘racially motivated hate crime’

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

Graffiti which appeared in Belfast is being probed as racially motivated hate crime.

The daubings, which appeared in the south of the city earlier this week, targeted the French rape survivor and activist, Gisele Pelicot, and also contained racial slurs against other ethnicities.

Ms Pelicot’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was jailed for 20 years for drugging and raping her and allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious, in abuse that lasted nearly a decade.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said they are investigating a report of graffiti painted in a number of locations in the Sandy Row area.

They said the graffiti contained a number of “extremely offensive racist and misogynistic terms”, and was reported to police on Tuesday July 14.

“Although this has since been painted over, our investigation into this report of criminal damage continues and we are treating the graffiti as a racially motivated hate crime,” they said.

“There is no place in our society for this type of intimidating behaviour and we will continue to engage with local representatives and partner agencies around community safety.

“We know the people of south Belfast will rightly condemn this disgraceful attack.”

They added an appeal for information.

“We would appeal to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area, or who may have relevant doorbell camera, CCTV, or other footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 649 of 14/07/26,” they said.

“Reports can also be made online at psni.police.uk/report or in confidence through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”