Politics

Violent protests at a migrant hotel in Dublin. Police car set on fire by angry mob over alleged rape

Violent protests at a migrant hotel in Dublin. Police car set on fire by angry mob over alleged rape

Protesters in Dublin set fire to a police car. Photo credit: Peter MURPHY / AFP / Profimedia

Anti-immigrant protesters set fire to a police vehicle and attacked officers near a building housing asylum seekers in Dublin, the justice minister said, a day after a man was arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.

Tuesday night's incident comes two years after anti-immigrant protesters sparked a major riot in central Dublin following the stabbing of three children.

More than 1,000 people protested outside the building in west Dublin on Tuesday night, according to The Irish Times, which also published a video of a police car on fire.

Videos posted on X by Irish media and anti-immigrant activists showed people holding Irish flags and placards with anti-immigrant slogans. Protesters threw bottles and fireworks at the police.

Six people who were involved in the violence were detained and a policeman received medical treatment for a leg wound.

Protesters carried Irish flags and placards reading “Irish lives matter” (“Irish lives matter”) and chanted “Get them out!”, according to AFP.

“It's no wonder that people who want to sow discord in our society use murder as a weapon,” Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said in a statement. “This is unacceptable and will result in a strong reaction.”

Police announced Tuesday that a 26-year-old man has been charged in the area following an alleged aggravated assault on a minor.

The leader of the largest opposition party, Sinn Fein, told parliament on Tuesday that the man had a deportation order issued in his name in March this year.

O'Callaghan said he had asked the most senior official in his department for a detailed briefing on the handling of the asylum claim in this case. Police did not respond to Reuters' request for comment on the case.

Although Ireland is almost unique in Europe in having no far-right members of parliament, recent years have seen a sharp rise in the visibility of anti-immigration groups, with regular rallies to call for restrictions on immigration.



Ashley Davis

I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.

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