MAE recommendations for Romanians in Northern Ireland. What were the steps taken next to the British authorities
Protests at BallyMena Photo: Steven Mcauley, McAley Multimedia LTD / Alamy / Profimedia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has transmitted a series of recommendations for Romanians in Northern Ireland so as to avoid falling victims of street violence that have encompassed this region in recent days. At the same time, MAE details the steps taken next to the British authorities.
“The Romanian citizens of the Northern Ireland are asked to respect the instructions of law enforcement and to avoid the areas where demonstrations take place or in which the traffic is restricted. Any person who is in danger must call the 999 or 112 emergency number,” a statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shows.
It is also indicated how the violent incident authorities in the area can be reported, including the possibility of calls under the protection of anonymity.
North-Irish minister, in the middle of a controversy following the Ballymen's riots, where Romanians are targeted: “His actions cannot be ignored. Lives are in play”
“People who have information about violent incidents and want to transmit to the police can call the number 101 or make an online report at www.psni.uk/report. Also, for reports under the protection of anonymity, the number of crime stoppers-0800 555 111 or the website www.crimoppers-uk.org”, the source said.
Steps besides the British government
Romanian citizens who need consular assistance can call the phone number for emergency situations of the General Consulate in Edinburgh – 00447951858445.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that the London Embassy and the Consulate General of Edinburgh have taken steps to clarify the situation of Romanian citizens affected by the incidents in Ballymen and to establish a dialogue with the authorities, in order to sanction the guilty and to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of the Romanian citizens.
The Romanian ambassador to London had a telephone discussion with Hilary Benn, the Minister for Northern Ireland in the London government.
“Regarding the margin of action/intervention of diplomatic missions and consular offices in such a context, we remind the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, as well as those of Law no. It can be substituted in any way to the authorities of the state of residence ”, it is said in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ballymen's riots: a third Romanian, interrogated by police, then taken to the target by protesters. “I lost everything because of false accusations”
Violence in Ballymen
Ballymen's violence broke out after two Romanian teenagers were accused of attempted rape. Since then, there have been several arson. Including the house where teenagers lived, along with their parents, was set on fire.
The disorders of the North-Irish city Ballymen have sparked both fear and revolt among the Romanian community in this locality with about 30,000 people. A 38-year-old Romanian who lives in the 9-year-old Ballymen told in an article published by Hotnews on Wednesday, which is the atmosphere in the city where Romanians work in slaughterhouses or in the bus factory.
On the Facebook group “Romanians in Ballymen”, which has 3,300 members, people tell that they are afraid for their lives. Others claim that the distinction between Romanians and Roma should be made. While the Romanians are the target of racist attacks from the northern-rlandes, they also launch racist attacks on the Roma.
Violence continued on Wednesday night in different parts of Northern Ireland for the third consecutive night, but disorders of the main conflict outbreak, Ballymen, were of a significantly smaller magnitude. The day before, hundreds of masked protesters attacked police forces and set fires and cars in Ballymen, a city with 30,000 inhabitants located 45 kilometers from Belfast, in qualified police as “racial violence”.
