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Ireland's law enforcement confronted hundreds of demonstrators outside a capital city facility used to house refugees following reports of a sexual assault on a young girl.

Intense Clashes and Destruction

Protesters set fire to a officer car and threw pyrotechnics and various objects at officers outside the southwest Dublin facility on Tuesday night.

Estimates suggest the protesters – including individuals displayed Irish flags and held anti-immigrant placards – reached up to 2,000 people.

Background of the Incident

The disturbances erupted a day after a individual was formally accused in relation to an reported attack. News outlets stated that the suspect was a 26-year-old asylum seeker and that the alleged victim was a 10-year-old girl who was attacked at or near the Dublin accommodation center, located in the southwest Dublin region.

Although a limited demonstration near the location passed without incident on Monday, on Tuesday night a significantly bigger group hurled rocks and road markers. Furthermore, a police van was set on fire.

Police Response

Officers, including those equipped with protective gear, head protection and mounted units, dispersed the demonstrators.

A senior government official denounced the violence. “Unfortunately, the weaponising of a criminal act by individuals who wish to create division in our society is not unexpected,” they stated in a declaration.

The statement continued: “Such behavior cannot be tolerated and will result in a strong reaction from the gardaí. Participants will be brought to justice. Attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our society. Violence is not.”

Wider Situation

Demonstrations opposing foreign nationals and refugees have become common in the past few years, with demonstrators claiming the newcomers of worsening a accommodation crisis and contributing to violent crime.

Far-right agitators have utilized social media and public gatherings to promote a message that “Ireland is full.”

Similar rioting broke out in central Dublin in November 2023 after a man attacked three children outside a elementary institution. In the summer, crowds focused on international residents in another location following an alleged sexual assault. Demonstrations outside asylum seeker accommodations and centers also spread in Britain during the warmer months.

Additional Details

Earlier on Tuesday, the country's youth protection service stated that the alleged victim of the recent event had been in state care at the time and that she had “left without authorization” during a visit to the downtown area.

Speaking in parliament, the prime minister acknowledged “the concern, anger and anxiety of numerous citizens” over the alleged assault. “Obviously, there has been shortcomings here in terms of the state's obligation to safeguard this child.”