Violent Citywest Protests After Alleged Assault

Hundreds—up to a few thousand—people gathered outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Dublin, on Tuesday in an anti-immigrant protest sparked by reports that a 26-year-old man reported to be an asylum seeker was charged over the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old who had been in state care. The demonstration turned violent, with protesters hurling bottles, bricks and fireworks, setting a Garda van on fire and targeting a police helicopter with lasers. Gardaí said officers faced "sustained violence", used pepper spray, public-order and mounted units, air support and a water cannon, and arrested six people; the criminal investigation and public-order operations are ongoing as police identify and pursue those responsible. The prime minister and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the "violent disorder" and "weaponising of a crime", vowed a forceful Garda response, and the justice minister has sought a review of the asylum case management. Authorities and commentators warned social media and far-right agitators have fuelled anti-immigrant sentiment and that protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers have become recurring flashpoints.