Hannah Kenny, who represents People Before Profit, says she was attacked on Saturday, April 23, while distributing election materials on an estate in East Belfast.
The party condemned the attack on its candidate, saying it had suffered a “terrible ordeal” and was physically and verbally assaulted. Read more: The main issues and issues that affect when NI goes to the polls Speaking about her ordeal, Hannah said: “I do not want to dwell on the details of the incident but to say that I am deeply saddened by the level of aggression being shown against me simply because I handed over election material. “The fact that these men told me that I had been identified by the campaign posters in the area before they continued to attack me is deeply worrying. “Unfortunately, there is a minority who intend to polarize this election along well-known lines; we have seen other candidates being attacked and threatened, with posters damaged in various places. These are not just attacks on people like me, they are attacks against the democratic process that aims to take us back. “ Read more related articles Read more related articles In a statement, the party said: “Three men approached Hannah, who subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, both sectarian and half-hearted. They blocked her way, grabbing her by the hand and neck before explaining the violence they would use against her. if he returned to the area. “In an election where we are running all over Belfast, People Before Profit is outraged that one of our labor representatives had to endure such a traumatic event. Our members in East Belfast and throughout the city stand in solidarity with Hannah and they want to do it is clear that we will not be intimidated. “ Gerry Carroll of People Before Profit added: “Our full support and solidarity is with Hannah after this embarrassing incident. Hannah is a hardworking and dedicated spokeswoman and I deeply regret that she had to endure such a heinous and cowardly attack. Read more related articles Read more related articles “I am also extremely proud of Hannah’s work that made her a voice in working-class politics in East Belfast. I would urge everyone to reject this kind of bullying and fight for it in the past.” PSNI Chief Inspector Mark Roberts said: “The Northern Ireland Police Service is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that all candidates can participate fully in the upcoming Northern Ireland election without harassment, intimidation and other forms of harassment. “We have been in contact with political parties to provide preventive briefings and information to candidates on crime prevention and personal safety, and our officers will continue to provide support and advice locally.” “Investigations are ongoing and at the moment we are treating it as a hate crime. We appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or has a video camera or mobile phone or any information that could help, to contact us at 101, mentioning the reference number 658 of 30/04/22. “Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.” Read more: Green Party suspends Stormont Assembly candidate Read more: MLA candidate who lost his aunt to suicide promises support for better services To receive the latest news directly in your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter
