PA MediaNorthern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long has said a line was crossed after a “mob” turned up at her home on Wednesday evening.
Her husband, Belfast Alliance councillor Michael Long, said “about 40 people, some wearing masks, turned up at our house to protest”.
It is believed the protest related to the housing of sex offenders in residential areas.
In a social media post, Ms Long said: “It’s bullying and intimidation. It’s threatening and wholly unacceptable.”
The police attended the incident and said they would now review footage to “consider if any potential offences have been committed”.
In addition to her role as Stormont’s justice minister, Long is also the leader of the Alliance Party.
In her post, she said she was open to debating issues, but added: “Turning up as a mob, some in masks, at my home just isn’t on.
“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.”
Previous death threats
Writing on X, her husband said a police car “had to sit outside the house overnight in case of attack”.
It is not the first time Alliance party representatives have complained of intimidation.
In 2012 the party was targeted by loyalists after it supported a move to only display the union flag at Belfast City Hall on designated days.
Ms Long received death threats and later revealed she was being treated for skin cancer at the same time.
However, Mr Long said: “In 25 years, no one has protested at our house” until the incident on Wednesday night.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill, from Sinn Féin, described it as “absolutely disgusting”.
She added that “turning up at someone’s home is intimidation, not protest. It is never acceptable.”
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said he was “shocked and horrified” by the actions of the crowd outside the couple’s home.
“We live in a democracy. There are acceptable ways to express your opposition. Intimidation is not one of them.”
