Unrest in Ireland's capital after attack on children
Anti-migrant strikes have broken out in the Ireland's capital (GettyImages)
In Dublin, the capital of Ireland, anti-immigrant strikes and clashes with the police have erupted. Mass discontent was sparked by a knife attack carried out by an immigrant, according to CNN.
It is known that the violent disturbances in the center of the Irish capital were provoked by a knife attack on small children in Dublin. The incident occurred around 1:30 PM local time on Thursday, November 23, near the Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire school.
As children were leaving school, a 50-year-old man armed with a knife attacked passersby.
Law enforcement officials noted that a 5-year-old girl and a 30-year-old woman sustained serious injuries. Two other children, a 5-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl, have minor injuries.
The assailant has also been arrested and hospitalized with injuries, likely self-inflicted. Witnesses had detained him before the arrival of law enforcement. The police have not provided details about his citizenship, and the facts and circumstances of the attack are still being established.
Photo: protests in Dublin on November 23-24 (GettyImages)
Night protests and clashes with the police
This incident triggered a wave of mass protests and disturbances in Dublin on the same evening of November 23 and into the night of November 24.
An aggressive crowd clashed with law enforcement just a few hours after the incident near the school. Some participants held signs with the slogan "Irish lives matter," and protesters chanted slogans like "Get them (migrants) out."
Buses and trams were set on fire, and shops were looted in the city center. Some rioters threw flares, while others attempted to cause mayhem by grabbing chairs and stools near bars and restaurants. As a result, some transportation services were suspended.
A police cordon was established around the Irish Parliament building. Over 400 Irish law enforcement officers were deployed. Reports of attacks have been received, but there have been no reports of significant injuries from either the police or protesters.
Currently, the Irish National Guard is patrolling the city center. It is reported that the disturbances were brought under control by morning.
Photo: protests in Dublin on November 23-24 (GettyImages)
World leaders' response
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that she was shocked by the knife attack in Dublin. The Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland also reacted to the extraordinary event, expressing deep shock over the serious incident.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the protesters as "thugs" and "criminals" who were "using this appalling attack to sow division and wreak havoc in the city." According to her, law enforcement used all possible force to restore order in the city.
Photo: protests in Dublin on November 23-24 (GettyImages)
Migration crisis in the West
In recent years, the situation with the migration crisis in Western countries has only worsened. An increasing number of countries blame Russia and Belarus for this.
Germany and Finland, for example, have claimed that Russia deliberately aids migrants in crossing the border to destabilize Western countries. As a result, on November 16, the Finnish authorities closed most border crossings with Russia.
Following Finland, Norway may take a similar step. The country's authorities are considering plans to close the only checkpoint on the border with Russia.
