Violence erupted in Dublin overnight as a protest over the alleged rape of a 10-year-old Irish girl by an asylum seeker turned into a major confrontation with police.
According to Irish authorities, six people were arrested and one police officer injured after about 2,000 demonstrators gathered outside the Citywest IPAS Centre — a hotel in southwest Dublin that houses asylum seekers.
What began as a protest demanding justice for the child quickly descended into chaos. Masked men hurled fireworks, bricks, and bottles at police, while others set fire to bins and a Garda van. Riot police, supported by dog units, mounted officers, and helicopters, were deployed to regain control. Water cannons and pepper spray were also used to disperse the crowd, which largely scattered by 11 p.m.
The anger stemmed from the alleged rape of the 10-year-old at the same hotel earlier this week. The suspect, a 26-year-old man originally from Africa whose asylum application had been rejected in 2024, appeared in court on Monday charged with sexual assault. He reportedly remains under a deportation order.
Authorities said the girl, who was under state care due to behavioural issues, fled staff supervision before the alleged attack. She later told workers she had been assaulted, prompting immediate police involvement.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly condemned the violence, calling it “thuggery” and warning that those responsible would be identified and prosecuted. “This was not a peaceful protest — it was a mob intent on violence,” he said, praising the professionalism of officers at the scene.
Ireland’s government has faced mounting tensions in recent months over asylum policy, with growing anti-immigration sentiment amplified on social media. Police confirmed that the rally had been organised online.
Authorities urged the public to avoid vigilantism and reminded citizens that investigations into both the alleged assault and the violent unrest are ongoing.
Support services have been activated for the child and her family, while officials pledged that “justice will be served both for the victim and against those who resorted to violence.”
