Garda officers arrested six people after protesters attacked them outside the Citywest hotel in Saggart, southwest Dublin on Tuesday. The unrest followed reports that a 26-year-old man, accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, was an asylum seeker.
Protesters threw bricks, glass bottles, and fireworks at officers. Police faced sustained attacks throughout the event.
Police Commissioner Justin Kelly said, “This was obviously not a peaceful protest.” He added, “The actions this evening can only be described as thuggery. This was a mob intent on violence against Gardai.”
Streets erupt in chaos
AFP reporters witnessed a police van set on fire. Meanwhile, protesters waved Irish flags and chanted “get them out.” In response, police used pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Around 1,000 people gathered outside the hotel. One officer suffered a foot injury, and protesters even targeted the police helicopter with lasers.
The Garda said that social media groups organized the protest to stir hatred, provoke violence, and create public dissent.
Government condemns unrest
Prime Minister Micheal Martin strongly condemned the protest. He called it “violent disorder” and “vile abuse” against police. Speaking in parliament, he said the alleged assault was “extremely serious and very, very grave”. He added that the state had failed to protect the child.
Justice and Migration Minister Jim O’Callaghan said, “Unfortunately, the weaponising of a crime by people who wish to sow dissent in our society is not unexpected.”
Alleged assault details
The 26-year-old suspect appeared in court Tuesday, charged with sexual assault. The girl, who was in state care, had reportedly absconded during a trip to the city centre.
Rising anti-immigration tensions
Ireland and the UK have seen growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Hotels housing asylum seekers often become flashpoints for protests and riots.
For example, in June, Northern Ireland experienced anti-immigrant unrest after two teenagers were arrested for attempting to rape a young girl in Ballymena. Police said rioters attacked homes and businesses in racist incidents.