‘Inciting a Pogrom?’: Social Media and Racist Disorder in Ballymena

Join the Bloody Sunday Trust for an information session and discussion on ‘Inciting a Pogrom? Social Media and the Racist Disorder in Ballymena and Beyond During Summer 2025’.

This new research report, published by the Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) in partnership with Rabble Cooperative, builds on the earlier ‘Mapping Far Right Activity Online in Northern Ireland’ study.

The report examines the racist violence that erupted in Ballymena in June 2025 and rapidly spread across the north of Ireland. It explores how online narratives amplified fear and hostility, fuelling offline attacks, and how local organising efforts and political responses shaped the escalation.

Key Findings

• Online misinformation and anti-immigrant narratives played a central role in mobilising violence and intimidation.
• Community-based Facebook groups became hubs for sustaining anti-immigrant activity.
• Political discourse often blurred the line between condemning violence and legitimising xenophobic concerns.
• Thousands of minority ethnic residents — particularly Roma families — were displaced as a direct result.

Why this matters

The report calls for urgent reforms, including:

• Stronger hate crime legislation;
• Improved policing responses;
• Proactive action by government, trade unions, and NGOs to challenge racist narratives and misinformation.

By documenting both online and offline dynamics, the research seeks to strengthen anti-racism strategies, inform public policy, and promote collective solidarity in resisting far-right mobilisation.

Event details

The session will include presentations from:

• Shannon Doherty (CAJ)
• Dessie Donnelly (Rabble Cooperative)

Followed by a Q&A discussion.

Tea & coffee provided.

📅 Date & Time: Saturday 6 December, 1pm - 2.30pm
📍 Venue: Museum of Free Derry
💻 Book via Eventbrite
✉️ Or RSVP directly to: constance@bloodysundaytrust.org