Naomi Long issues statement after 40-strong masked mob protest outside her house
"It's bullying and intimidation. It's threatening and wholly unacceptable."
Justice Minister Naomi Long has said that a "line was crossed" after up to 40 people, some wearing masks, turned up at her house last night.
In a series of tweets, the Justice Minister said that in her 25 years in front-line politics, she has been open to debating with people.
"Over the last 25 years I've been in front-line politics, I've engaged with people from all backgrounds and perspectives. I've been open to debating and discussing issues, whether we agreed or not, including on here.
"Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn't on.
"That line was crossed last night. It isn't engagement and it isn't legitimate protest to turn up at my home, disrupt my neighbours, my family and place pressure on police.
"It's bullying and intimidation. It's threatening and wholly unacceptable. It needs to stop."
Her husband, Cllr Michael Long, added: "Last night, about 40 people, some wearing masks, turned up at our house to protest.
"They filmed & the PSNI had to attend. In 25 years, no one has protested at our house.
"For 1st time in 12 yrs, a PSNI car has had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack."
Speaking on the BBC's Nolan Show, Alliance Deputy Leader, Eoin Tennyson said that the protest was a result of misinformation and language targeting Naomi within the Assembly chamber.
The PSNI have confirmed that they have launched an investigation into the incident and that they are currently reviewing footage from the protest.
"Police attended a protest outside a property in east Belfast on Wednesday evening, October 8th," they said.
"We have commenced an investigation. An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage and consider if any potential offences were committed."
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said that it was "absolutely disgusting".
"Turning up at someone’s home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable. Sending support and solidarity to you and Michael," she said.
Ulster Unionist Party leader Mike Nesbitt said he is "shocked" by the news.
“I am shocked, horrified and depressed by the reports of a crowd gathering outside the home of the Alliance Leader, Naomi Long MLA, and her husband, Councillor Michael Long.
“We live in a democracy. In a democracy, you will see things you don’t like. You’ll hear things you don’t agree with. You’ll be upset by decisions politicians make.
“There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them. I hope the PSNI have gathered enough evidence to lead to prosecution.”
South Belfast and Mid Down MP Claire Hanna said: "The SDLP sends sincere solidarity to Naomi and Michael Long following the disgraceful scenes outside their home last night.
“The SDLP will always stand against those who seek to use violence or intimidation. There can be no place for it in our politics or our society.
“There will always be political disagreement, particularly in a place with as fraught a history as this, but to turn up outside a politician’s home and try to intimidate them is sinister and entirely wrong."
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