A Northern Ireland election candidate has spoken of her distress after she was 'gripped by the throat' after being set upon by three men whilst out canvassing.
Hannah Kenny who is standing for People Before Profit says she was assaulted on Saturday, April 23 whilst distributing election material in an estate in East Belfast.
The party has condemned the attack on their candidate saying she suffered a 'terrifying ordeal' and was subjected to both a physical and verbal assault
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Speaking about her ordeal Hannah said: “I do not wish to dwell on the details of the incident other than to say I am deeply distressed at the level of aggression shown towards me for simply delivering election material.
"The fact that these men told me I had been identified from the election campaign posters in the area before going on to assault me has been deeply disturbing.
"Unfortunately, there exists a minority intent on polarising this election along familiar lines; we have seen other election candidates attacked and threatened, with posters being damaged in various places. These aren’t just attacks on individuals like myself, they are attacks on the democratic process intended to take us backward.”
In a statement, the party said: "Hannah was approached by three men who subjected her to a terrifying ordeal, both sectarian and misogynistic in nature. They blocked her path, gripping her by the arm and throat before detailing the violence they would subject her to if she returned to the area.
"In an election where we are standing candidates across Belfast, People Before Profit are outraged that one of our hardworking representatives has had to endure such a traumatic incident. Our members in East Belfast and across the city stand in solidarity with Hannah and want to make it clear that we will not be intimidated."
People Before Profit’s Gerry Carroll added, “Our full support and solidarity is with Hannah after this shameful incident. Hannah is a hardworking and committed representative and I am deeply sorry she has had to endure such a despicable and cowardly attack.
"I am also extremely proud of Hannah’s work in putting herself forward to offer a voice for working class politics in East Belfast. I would call on everyone to reject this kind of thuggery and fight to consign it to the past.”
PSNI Chief Inspector Mark Roberts said; "The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to doing everything we can to ensure all candidates can participate fully in the forthcoming Northern Ireland Assembly election free from harassment, intimidation and other forms of criminality.
"We have contacted the political parties to proactively offer briefing sessions and information for candidates on crime prevention and personal safety, and our officers will continue to offer support and advice at a local level.”
“Enquiries are ongoing and at this time we are treating this as a hate crime. We are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any dash cam or mobile footage, or any information which could assist, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 658 of 30/04/22. Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
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