Coalisland people have rallied round shop owner whose business was attacked in racist crime
The people of Coalisland have sent a “clear and powerful message” that racism, intimidation and hate have no place in the town, local SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn has said.
He was speaking following the racist attack on Chaudhary Hamza Riaz’s new phone repair business on Main Street, Coalisland, which was targeted just one day after opening.
“What happened to Hamza and his business was disgraceful. No one should open a new business, invest in a town, create a service for local people and then be met with smashed windows, intimidation or hate,” he said.
“But what has been important in the days since is the response from the people of Coalisland. The community has rallied around Hamza and made it very clear that the actions of a small number of people do not represent this town.
“Coalisland is a proud town. It is a town with a history of standing up for rights, dignity and equality. Almost sixty years ago, people from this area stood up and marched for civil rights. That history should not make us bitter, it should make us better. It should remind us that no person should ever be treated as less because of where they were born, the colour of their skin, their religion, or their background.
“Racism has no place in Coalisland. It has no place in Mid Ulster. It has no place anywhere in our society.
“The message from the community has been clear: Hamza is welcome here. His business is welcome here. Every family who has made this town their home is welcome here. We will not allow hate to define Coalisland.”