Anger at latest racist graffiti attacks in Omagh

A LOCAL refugee and immigrant support group has condemned the appearance of racist and anti-refugee graffiti in parts of Omagh in recent days.

Slogans were painted on the walls and pavement of the underpass on the Kevlin Road and on a council-owned changing facility on the Cookstown Road near Lovers’ Retreat. Both incidents are being treated by the PSNI as racially motivated hate crimes.

One of the slogans read, ‘Go Nationalist or go extinct’, a white nationalist phrase often associated with racist and far-right groups.

Both pieces of graffiti also included the initials ‘RAA’, which was daubed at previous incidents in the town.

Police confirmed they received a report at around 1.55pm on Sunday, April 20, about graffiti painted under the Kevlin Road bridge, and said they are also investigating the Cookstown Road incident.

“This is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime. Police would ask anyone with any information to contact us on 101 and quote reference number 735 20/04/25.”

This latest spate follows a number of similar graffiti attacks in recent months. In March, ‘Irish Only’ was painted on several walls in the town, while other slogans accusing Sinn Féin of being ‘traitors’ were also signed ‘RAA’.

The recent messages have prompted widespread condemnation from community organisations and local representatives.

‘racial hatred’

Mary Lafferty, manager of ERANO – a group which supports refugees and newcomers in the area – described the graffiti as a ‘deliberate attempt’ to stir division and racial hatred.

“The people who sprayed this graffiti are trying to drum up tension in the area, and I am very disappointed this has happened,” she said. “Omagh and the surrounding areas have been so supportive of people who have arrived here as refugees and newcomers, and there has been a lot of successful integration.

“The refugee community in Omagh are here legally and contribute greatly to the local economy and community – whether through their work in local businesses, education, or by starting their own enterprises.”

Ms Lafferty urged residents to stand against hate and ensure Omagh continues to be a welcoming place.

Omagh town councillor Barry McElduff also condemned the graffiti, describing it as ‘offensive and intimidating’.

“This was clearly the intention of whichever individual or micro-group is behind it. Omagh is a diverse, welcoming town, and the people here reject racism and intimidation,” he said.