Sectarian Hate Crime Designation for Anti-DUP Graffiti at Hospital; Community Centre Vandalism Also Under Investigation

Law enforcement officials are classifying graffiti targeting the DUP, which was applied to a wall at the Royal Victoria Hospital, as a sectarian hate crime. Authorities received a report regarding the graffiti on Tuesday. Its appearance followed the removal of a pro-Palestinian slogan from the same location. The police are requesting that any witnesses provide information. The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has stated that it is engaged in discussions with a contractor concerning the removal of the anti-DUP graffiti. Concurrently, police are looking into a report of criminal damage in Broughshane, County Antrim, where a community centre’s windows were broken and anti-Sinn Féin graffiti was sprayed on its walls. Bréanainn Lyness, who serves as the Sinn Féin deputy mayor for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, indicated his belief that the incident stemmed from the community association’s invitation for him to activate the town’s Christmas lights. According to police, a report of this incident was received around 07:15 GMT on Wednesday. In an interview with BBC News NI, Lyness characterized the broken windows and graffiti as a “disgrace.” He stated that his presence at the Broughshane Christmas lights switch-on was in his capacity as deputy mayor, “not as a Sinn Féin rep,” and that his role was to “represent everybody.” He further commented that the event was “apolitical.” Lyness asserted that those responsible for the attack “don’t represent the people of Broughshane,” whom he described as having been “overwhelmingly welcoming” during his visits to the village. He also mentioned, “I’m from Ballymena and Broughshane is only five minutes down the road so I would be in Broughshane regularly anyway.” Lyness stated his intention to visit the community association on Wednesday to extend his support. Prior to the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, an Orange Order lodge voiced its objection to Lyness’s attendance. Broughshane LOL 503 conveyed its “deep disappointment and regret” via a social media post regarding the Broughshane and District Community Association’s choice to invite a Sinn Féin councillor to illuminate the Christmas lights. The post further stated, “Christmas is a time for unity, togetherness, and goodwill to all, and we believe that such an important community event should reflect those values.” The lodge commented that the presence of a Sinn Féin representative, considering the party’s “historical associations and stance,” was perceived as “deeply divisive and inconsiderate to many” within the community. There is no indication of any connection between the lodge and the attack. On Wednesday, Broughshane LOL 503 issued a statement declaring that its members “utterly condemn the recent attack on the premises of the local Community Association.” A spokesperson for the lodge informed BBC News NI, “This type of action has no place in our village or indeed, wider society.” The spokesperson added, “As stated in our comments yesterday, we are committed to fostering a spirit of harmony and respect within Broughshane and will continue to work towards the strengthening of our community.” Police have confirmed that their investigations are continuing and have urged anyone possessing relevant information to get in touch with them.