22.10.2025 13:31
Following the detention of an immigrant in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, on charges of sexually assaulting a young girl, a police vehicle was set on fire during anti-immigrant protests, and six people were arrested.
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Thousands of people protested against immigrants in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, yesterday after the detention of a refugee accused of sexually assaulting a young girl. The demonstrators carried banners with anti-immigrant slogans and Irish flags, and the protest quickly turned into violent incidents.
During the protests, which lasted about two and a half hours, demonstrators threw bricks, glass bottles, and fireworks at the police near the International Protection Applicants (IPAS) accommodation center where immigrants are staying. The incidents escalated as protesters broke through security barriers and set a police vehicle on fire, prompting the police to respond with tear gas and water cannons.
300 POLICE ON THE STREETS
Authorities reported that 6 people were detained during the incidents, which involved about a thousand participants and 300 police officers, and that 1 police officer was injured.
STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE
Irish Minister of Justice Jim O'Callaghan stated, "It is not unexpected for those who want to sow seeds of discord in our society to use crime as a weapon. This is an unacceptable situation and will be met with a strong response." O'Callaghan said he requested a detailed explanation regarding the management of the asylum application involved from the highest-ranking police official in the area. No statement has yet been made by the police on the matter.
WHAT HAPPENED?
In the sexual assault case that sparked the protests, the suspect, who is alleged to be of African descent, was brought before the Blanchardstown District Court on Monday, October 20, on charges of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Ireland's main opposition party Sinn Fein, also emphasized in a statement yesterday that there have been reports of a deportation order issued against the suspect since last March.
Anti-immigrant protests erupted in Dublin two years ago after three young children were stabbed. Although Ireland is thought to have a unique position in Europe with a parliament that does not have any far-right members, there has been a significant increase in demonstrations calling for anti-immigrant policies across the country in recent years.
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