Anti-immigrant protests erupted in Dublin. The demonstrations turned into riots. Six people were detained. The protests were sparked by an attack by a refugee on a ten-year-old girl. The man has been charged. In the Irish capital Dublin, clashes occurred between protesters and police during anti-immigrant protests. At least six people have been detained.
Demonstrations erupted the day after a 26-year-old asylum seeker was charged with alleged sexual assault against a ten-year-old girl.
On Tuesday evening, hundreds of people gathered outside the CityWest hotel in western Dublin, where refugees are housed. Participants demanded punishment for the perpetrator.
Many demonstrators held Irish flags and shouted nationalist slogans, advocating for strict immigration policies.
The protest began peacefully, but at some point, protesters started throwing bottles and stones at law enforcement officers and set fire to a police car parked outside the hotel.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin noted that he understands the anger of the people but condemned those who incited riots during the protest.
"There can be no justification for the vile abuse directed at them, nor for attempts to assault police officers, which shock all sane people," he said.
"I thank the Irish police officers who acted bravely and swiftly to restore order."
The head of government promised to hold accountable the person responsible for the attack on the little girl.
According to Tusla, the country's child and family agency, the girl who was allegedly attacked was in state care and "ran away" during a trip to the city center.
Speaking in parliament, Micheál Martin stated that he acknowledges the concerns of many people regarding this incident. "It is clear that the state failed in its duty to protect this child," he said.
Two years ago, riots occurred in Dublin after three children were attacked near a school. The assailant was reportedly a migrant.
In recent years, demonstrations against migrants and refugees have increased in Ireland, including arson attacks on accommodation for asylum seekers. Protesters complain about rising crime and a lack of housing.
