Outrage has erupted in Ireland over the death of a Congolese-born man who was restrained outside a Dublin department store. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, which has deeply shocked the country’s small Congolese community.
Details of the Incident
The man, identified as Yves Sakila, was detained by security guards on Dublin’s busy Henry Street last Friday in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident, according to Irish police. He became unresponsive at the scene and was later pronounced dead. A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, shows Sakila being held on the ground by several individuals for nearly five minutes. At one point, one of them appears to kneel on his head or neck.
Official Response
Prime Minister Micheal Martin addressed parliament on Tuesday, stating, "The full circumstances of what happened need to be examined and investigated fully and thoroughly. The situation is deeply concerning." Police confirmed on Wednesday that investigations into all circumstances of the incident are ongoing. They also noted that a man in his 80s was injured at the scene as Sakila attempted to flee.
Community Reaction
The Irish Network Against Racism expressed concern that excessive force may have been used against Sakila, calling the death of a black man in such circumstances "extremely worrying." On Wednesday, passers-by stopped on Henry Street to lay flowers at the spot where Sakila was detained. Sanaa Basit, a translator and mother of two who moved to Ireland from Sudan ten years ago, said, "I couldn't sleep at night. I just kept watching it (the video) time over time." Laure Zoya, vice-president of the Congolese Community in Ireland group, said members were shocked, disturbed, and no longer felt safe. She noted that Sakila, who police said was in his 30s, moved to Ireland when he was very young. "The Ireland that they knew 30 years ago is no longer the same," Zoya told national broadcaster RTE.
