Man (34) charged after viable device thrown inside Belfast Islamic Centre
Political leaders have condemned the 'frightening' attack
A 34-year-old man has been charged in relation to an attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre.
The PSNI said on Sunday that he has been charged with a number of offences including attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempt to cause an explosion, making explosives with intent to endanger life and criminal damage.
He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday (June 23), and was initially arrested under the Terrorism Act.
Police also previously said they were treating the incident as a potential hate crime.
A viable device was thrown inside the building on the University Road in south Belfast on Friday night and a window was smashed.
Kashif Akram said the attack, which happened shortly after 10pm last night, had caused much distress.
He told the Belfast Telegraph that the centre had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers.
Political representatives branded it a sinister attack and said it must be strongly condemned.
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have said there is no place for violence here as they ask everyone to refrain from any disorder, violence or threat to others.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'There can be no place for the hatred we have seen, the pain it has caused and the devastation it has left behind.
'The Executive speaks with one voice - we appeal for calm and we are united in condemnation of all violence.'
The deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said: 'All violence is wrong and we must not see the terrible scenes of disorder repeated. People have the right to protest, this does not extend to violence or threat. No one should be subject to sectarianism or racism.
'Everyone in Northern Ireland – regardless of background or belief– should feel safe and supported. The Executive is united in condemnation of violence that has taken place.'
Anti-racism protest takes place in Belfast
South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said she was 'appalled' at the attack.
'I am hugely relieved that no one was seriously injured, but this was a frightening and disturbing experience for the centre's users and for all of us who value a peaceful and shared society,' she said.
Ms Hanna added: 'Belfast is an open and welcoming city. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship.'
SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole said it was a 'cowardly attack' and 'yet another stark reminder of the very real and growing threat of race hate in our society'.
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said: 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.
'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.'
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Man (34) charged after viable device thrown inside Belfast Islamic Centre
Political leaders have condemned the 'frightening' attack A 34-year-old man has been charged in relation to an attack on the Belfast Islamic Centre. The PSNI said on Sunday that he has been charged with a number of offences including attempted arson with intent to endanger life, attempt to cause an explosion, making explosives with intent to endanger life and criminal damage. He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday (June 23), and was initially arrested under the Terrorism Act. Police also previously said they were treating the incident as a potential hate crime. A viable device was thrown inside the building on the University Road in south Belfast on Friday night and a window was smashed. Kashif Akram said the attack, which happened shortly after 10pm last night, had caused much distress. He told the Belfast Telegraph that the centre had to be evacuated, disrupting evening prayers. Political representatives branded it a sinister attack and said it must be strongly condemned. The First Minister and deputy First Minister have said there is no place for violence here as they ask everyone to refrain from any disorder, violence or threat to others. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'There can be no place for the hatred we have seen, the pain it has caused and the devastation it has left behind. 'The Executive speaks with one voice - we appeal for calm and we are united in condemnation of all violence.' The deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly said: 'All violence is wrong and we must not see the terrible scenes of disorder repeated. People have the right to protest, this does not extend to violence or threat. No one should be subject to sectarianism or racism. 'Everyone in Northern Ireland – regardless of background or belief– should feel safe and supported. The Executive is united in condemnation of violence that has taken place.' Anti-racism protest takes place in Belfast South Belfast MP Claire Hanna said she was 'appalled' at the attack. 'I am hugely relieved that no one was seriously injured, but this was a frightening and disturbing experience for the centre's users and for all of us who value a peaceful and shared society,' she said. Ms Hanna added: 'Belfast is an open and welcoming city. No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship.' SDLP MLA Matthew O'Toole said it was a 'cowardly attack' and 'yet another stark reminder of the very real and growing threat of race hate in our society'. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw said: 'This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time. 'Nevertheless, I am thankful for the intervention of a nearby passer-by and for the work of the police. Those were much more reflective of the true spirit of Belfast, where most people rejoice in diversity.'
