Politicians in Northern Ireland have condemned scenes of disorder that erupted in west Belfast over the weekend, labeling the events as "absolute chaos" and "disgraceful." Police closed off a section of the Stewartstown Road on Saturday night due to the presence of large crowds.
Social media videos depicted individuals on top of police vehicles. Sinn Féin assembly member Danny Baker stated that the main thoroughfare was shut down by large groups of young people intent on causing chaos and destruction. Baker described the events as "absolutely disgraceful," adding that residents and businesses were "hemmed in" while youth workers faced threats from "sinister elements" on the sidelines.
Independent councillor Paul Doherty echoed these sentiments, calling the situation on the Stewartstown Road "absolute chaos." He characterized the actions of those involved as showing "complete disregard for their own community." Doherty also questioned how parents could be unaware of their children's involvement in the disorder.
Anti-social behavior has been an ongoing issue in the area, according to the notes.