Violent Protests Erupt Near Dublin Asylum Hotel: 23 Arrested After Clashes With Police

At least 23 people have been taken into custody following a second consecutive night of violent unrest near an asylum seekers’ hotel in Dublin.

Two police officers were hospitalized after being injured during confrontations with demonstrators, one of whom was hit in the head by a bottle. A Sky News team was caught amid the chaos as officers charged toward crowds hurling fireworks, stones, and other debris.

This marks the third consecutive night of protests outside the Citywest Hotel, which erupted after an alleged sexual assault in the early hours of Monday morning. The alleged incident involved a 10-year-old girl.

Violence first broke out on Tuesday night, leaving one officer injured and resulting in six arrests. A 26-year-old man, who cannot be identified under Irish law, appeared in court on Tuesday charged in connection with the attack.

Police had earlier warned of a “robust response” should the unrest continue. Between 7pm and 8pm, hundreds of protesters confronted around 40 uniformed officers before they were replaced by the Public Order Unit equipped with shields and protective gear.

Although much of the crowd dispersed as the night went on, additional public order units were deployed shortly after 10pm to deal with those who remained. Several protesters were detained as they attempted to flee.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan confirmed that “many have been arrested” and warned that “more will follow.” He commended officers for their professional handling of what he described as “thuggish violence,” pledging that those arrested would be “charged, named, and dealt with relentlessly” by the justice system.