Hannah Kenny, representing the People Before Profit party, said the attack took place last Saturday while delivering election materials to East Belfast. She said she was surrounded by three men who grabbed her by the arm and neck before threatening her with more violence if they saw her again in the area. Subscribe to the First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7 p.m. BST A party statement said: “This incident took place on Saturday afternoon as our party activists were out the door to promote our election message, in an area that – like many working-class communities on both sides sectarian divide – has suffered from decades of austerity and deprivation under Stormont. “Hannah was approached by three men who subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, both sectarian and half-hearted. “They closed the path for her, grabbing her by the hand and neck, before explaining in detail the violence they would have subjected her to if she had returned to the area.” Kenny said she was “deeply saddened” by the level of aggression she was displaying and that her men told her she had been recognized by campaign posters. “Unfortunately, there is a minority that wants to polarize this election on well-known lines,” he said. “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 on the democratic process that aims to bring us back.” The Northern Ireland Police Service (PSNI) said a woman was reportedly verbally abused and threatened by three men while distributing election materials. He added that the report contained allegations of physical and verbal assault, including both sectarian and half-hearted comments. Curator Mark Roberts said: “We have been in contact with political parties to provide preventive information sessions and information to candidates on crime prevention and personal safety, and our officers will continue to provide support and advice locally. level. “Investigations are ongoing and at the moment we are treating it as a hate crime. “We invite anyone who has witnessed this incident or who has video with a dashboard or mobile phone, or any information that could help, to contact us at 101.” The PA Media news agency contributed to this report.
