Belfast: Residents 'traumatised' by racist graffiti inside flats

Annu Keshy, an Indian woman who has called Northern Ireland home for 23 years, shared how recent racist graffiti and related anti-social behavior near her residence have significantly altered her daily life. She revealed that after encountering such hostility, she consciously avoids speaking her native language in public, choosing to communicate exclusively in English. “I’m conscious that when I go outside I don’t speak my own language. I only speak in English. I’m not myself. I’m more aware,” she stated.

The most recent event involved racially offensive graffiti sprayed inside the Bass Buildings, a residential complex on Alfred Street in Belfast city center. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that this act of criminal damage is being investigated as a racially motivated hate crime. Superintendent Hagan explained that a group of youths unlawfully entered the premises, damaging property including bins, and defacing a wall with offensive graffiti. “This is being treated as a racially motivated hate crime and enquiries are ongoing at this time,” he noted.

Residents affected by this incident have expressed feelings of fear and anger. Keshy emphasized the broader societal impact, saying, “Everyone has a right to live. I work. I do good for the society. I do voluntary work as well… Everyone should be able to live fearlessly.” She pointed out that such behavior only serves to instill fear, rendering people timid rather than adding any positive value. Neighbors have reported that the disturbances began months earlier, involving youths entering the building and causing disruptions such as kicking doors and shouting. One local father spoke about the emotional toll it has taken on his children, who are now too frightened to move freely inside their home. “It’s very scary and very disturbing,” he said, also expressing that he’s contemplating leaving Belfast due to these experiences.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described how the ongoing intimidation has disrupted his mental well-being and sense of security. He mentioned taking practical steps like placing a doorstop to stop anyone from kicking his door open. Reflecting on the racial slur used in the graffiti, he called the incident “quite disturbing” and lamented that a few individuals would choose to intimidate people trying to live peaceful lives. “You kind of feel like you feel a bit unimportant; you feel like you’re powerless. You feel like nothing is being done,” he explained.

Ana Chandran, a community advocate and director at the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy, highlighted the pervasive fear among residents sparked by the attacks. She described how a gang had repeatedly gained unauthorized access to the Bass Buildings and caused damage along with leaving rubbish in communal spaces. Following the graffiti, which she called a “hate crime” and included a threat to kill, the atmosphere inside the building has become one of terror and trauma—especially for ethnic minorities. “The message has caused profound distress among residents, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, who now fear for their safety in their own homes,” Chandran said. She emphasized the need for tenants and landlords who pay taxes and rates to feel secure and for greater confidence in political and police authorities to ensure community safety

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