The PSNI has confirmed it is looking into fresh "online posts and commentary" surrounding Mayor of Derry City and Strabane Lillian Seenoi-Barr, after she spoke out about new "lies, misinformation, and malicious attacks".
The SDLP councillor was flanked by her party leader Claire Hanna and party colleagues as she spoke out again about online abuse this week, just weeks after a man in his 30s was sentenced to five months for posting a racist comment.
Mrs Barr, who was a political activist in Kenya before moving to Derry in her late 20s, became the first black politician ever elected in Northern Ireland in 2023, and the first black Mayor when she was put forward for the post by the SDLP the following year. She has faced a torrent of abuse from far-right figures across the world since being selected as her party's choice for Mayor.
Read more: NI's first ever black Mayor speaks out as "racist" given jail term for online abuse
At a press conference on Wednesday, the Mayor called for "real action" to address the problem.
This comes just weeks after Kevin Barry McIntyre, a 31-year-old with an address at Miller Street in the Bishop Street area of Derry, was handed a five month prison sentence, following his conviction last December of posting a racist comment on his Instagram account about the SDLP councillor.
He was described as a "a right wing, racist, conspiracy theorist" by District Judge Barney McElholm at a sentencing hearing at the Magistrates' Court in Derry in February.
On Wednesday, following fresh online abuse, Mrs Barr addressed the media at the Guildhall in Derry city centre: “Seeing lies, misinformation, and malicious attacks spread about me - simply because of my firm and resolute commitment to fighting racism and injustice in our society - has been incredibly disheartening. However, I have been humbled by the support of so many people who reached out to me directly, distancing themselves from such harmful rhetoric and reassuring me that those misinformed individuals do not represent most people in our city and beyond.”
She continued: “Our hate crime legislation urgently needs to be updated to offer stronger protections against targeted attacks like these, and when these attacks happen, we must respond, not just with words of solidarity but with concrete action through the justice system. "The time for talk is over, it is time for real action. I leave you with this: I am a Maasai woman and a Derry girl.
“That combination speaks of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to push forward, knowing that the city I represent and the place I now proudly call home stands against racism and division.”
SDLP leader Claire Hanna said: "Across the world we are seeing an uptick in both disinformation and, I suppose, attempts to sow dissent and hatred against particular people. This obviously has an impact on Lillian's ability to do her job, a job she has earned and a job she does with dignity, and with flair and with success.
"But it affects her ability to live her life now and in the period after she ceases to be Mayor. It has wider democratic impacts as well, in terms of our ability to bring a wider range of people into public life, in political positions, across this city, across this region and across the world."
And in a statement to Belfast Live, the PSNI confirmed it has been made aware of fresh "online posts and commentary".
"Police received a report on 24 February in relation to online posts and commentary," a police spokesperson said. "Enquiries are ongoing, and will continue to be reviewed to identify any potential offences.
Derry City and Strabane Area Commander Gillian Kearney said: "We continue to work with and support the Mayor to ensure she feels safe in her workplace. To that end, we are working with Derry City & Strabane District Council to provide reassurance."
Chief Superintendent Kearney added: "While political debate and discussion underpins our democratic process, and is a key component of public life, I want to emphasise that any abuse, harassment or criminality directed at our elected representatives is totally unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated.
“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that our elected representatives are supported, and they can undertake their role free from abuse, harassment and intimidation."
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·