Ireland’s prime minister condemns anti-immigrant protesters who rampaged through central Dublin
LONDON (AP) — Ireland’s prime minister has strongly denounced anti-immigrant protesters who caused chaos in central Dublin following a stabbing incident involving three young children. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar argued that the rioters’ intentions were rooted in a desire to sow discord rather than protect Ireland’s way of life.
To prevent any further unrest, the police implemented a substantial security operation in Dublin and made several additional arrests on Friday evening. Various altercations occurred, leading to the apprehension of several individuals in police vans.
Police detained 34 people for their involvement in Thursday night’s rioting, during which approximately 500 individuals looted shops, set vehicles on fire, and pelted crowd control officers in helmets and shields with rocks.
The violence erupted after rumors spread that a foreign national was responsible for the attack near a Dublin school on Thursday afternoon. Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s nationality.
Varadkar emphasized that Ireland’s capital had experienced two assaults: one against innocent children and another targeting our society and the rule of law. He addressed reporters on Friday morning, asserting that the perpetrators were motivated by hate, violence, and a desire to inflict pain upon others.
At a Dublin hospital, a 5-year-old girl remained in critical condition, while a teacher’s aide was in serious condition. A 6-year-old girl continued to receive treatment for less severe injuries, and another child had been discharged. The alleged assailant, apprehended by witnesses, remained hospitalized in serious condition.
The recent unrest in Dublin has occurred amid escalating tensions surrounding immigration in Ireland, reflecting similar trends in other parts of Europe. Earlier this year, individuals carrying signs that read Ireland is full staged demonstrations in Dublin, and protesters blockaded a hotel accommodating asylum-seekers in County Clare on the west coast.
According to a report from the London-based Institute for Strategic Dialogue, which aims to combat extremism, an analysis of over 13 million social media posts from the past three years revealed an increasing use of platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) by right-wing groups to stir opposition against immigration. The report stated that recent activity portrayed refugees and asylum-seekers as an existential threat to Ireland.
Government statistics indicate that Ireland received over 141,000 immigrants in the 12 months leading up to April, the highest number since 2007. This influx of migrants has contributed to an 11.7% population increase in Ireland over the past 11 years, resulting in a steady rise in housing prices.
When questioned about tensions surrounding anti-immigration sentiments earlier this year, Varadkar, in addressing Ireland’s parliament, acknowledged the place for peaceful protest but stressed that violence, intimidation, and racism were never justified.
Commissioner Drew Harris, head of Ireland’s national police force, described the individuals involved in Thursday’s unrest as a complete lunatic hooligan faction driven by far-right ideology.
To contain the violence, over 400 officers, many in riot gear, were deployed throughout the city center. A cordon was established around the Irish Parliament building, Leinster House, and mounted officers were dispatched to nearby Grafton Street.
During clashes with the rioters, one officer sustained serious injuries. Some of the rioters wielded metal bars and concealed their faces.
Harris, in addressing reporters, expressed concern that individuals had been radicalized through social media and the internet, leading to scenes of unrest that have not been witnessed for decades. However, he urged the public to bear in mind the horrific assault on schoolchildren and their teacher.
Varadkar praised individuals of various nationalities who courageously intervened during the attack, calling them real Irish heroes.
One such individual was Caio Benicio, a Brazilian delivery driver who rushed to help when he noticed the teacher’s aide attempting to protect the children. Spotting a knife, Benicio used his helmet to strike the attacker with all his might.
Expressing his hopes that the critically injured child would survive, Benicio, who has been residing in Ireland for 20 years, emphasized his lack of deep knowledge about Irish politics. He found it perplexing that the protests targeted immigrants, considering he himself is an immigrant who came to the aid of others.
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Pan Pylas contributed to this report.
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