14 July 2026

SDLP Leader and MP for Belfast South and Mid Down Claire Hanna has condemned the misogynistic and racist graffiti that appeared in the Sandy Row area, describing it as disturbing and warning against dismissing it as "just graffiti".

The graffiti included racist slurs, as well as messages supporting convicted rapist Dominique Pelicot and directing abuse at Gisèle Pelicot, whose decision to waive her anonymity during one of Europe's most high-profile rape trials made her a symbol of courage for women across the world.

Claire Hanna MP said:

"This isn't 'just graffiti'. It reflects attitudes that are still far too common and far too often shrugged off.

"When misogyny is normalised in public spaces it tells women and girls something about what is tolerated. When it's mixed with racist abuse it becomes an attempt to intimidate whole sections of our community. We should never minimise that or look the other way.

"Gisèle Pelicot has become an international symbol of dignity and courage in the face of unimaginable abuse. Millions of people have drawn strength from her example. To respond by celebrating her abuser is as disturbing as it is cowardly.

"Too many women still experience harassment, abuse and violence, and too many people from minority communities continue to face racism. That doesn't happen in isolation. It starts with attitudes that are normalised, excused or dismissed.

"Misogyny, racism and hate have no place in Belfast or anywhere else across Northern Ireland. We all have a responsibility to challenge those attitudes wherever we see them."