Citywest Clashes After Alleged Child Assault

An alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl near the state-owned Citywest Hotel in Saggart, Co. Dublin, early on Monday led to a 26-year-old man being charged in the case. Initial social-media posts, amplified by local opposition to converting Citywest into a permanent asylum centre, rapidly mobilised people online and, according to Gardaí, helped orchestrate protests that turned violent over consecutive nights. Hundreds of protesters threw bottles, bricks and fireworks at Gardaí guarding the hotel; more than 20 people were arrested (23 on one night) and two officers were injured as public order units were deployed. Newly arrived international protection applicants and refugees inside Citywest were warned via multilingual WhatsApp messages to stay indoors and some residents were sheltered by volunteers in safe houses amid fear and confusion. Several men have since faced court on public-order charges and were remanded with exclusion conditions around Citywest, while ministers and Gardaí condemned the violence and said further suspects will be identified and prosecuted.