Gardai Confirm An Investigation Has Been Launched Into An Alleged Assault On An Asylum Seeker In Citywest

Friday, 22 March 2024 10:28

By Martin Osborne

A video seen by Kfm shows a man repeatedly striking an asylum seeker in the head.

Gardaí have told Kfm that an investigation has been launched into an alleged assault on a man that occurred at a premises in Saggart yesterday morning.

The man, aged in his 30’s, subsequently received treatment at Tallaght University Hospital for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.

Gardai said investigations are ongoing.

A video circulating on social media and seen by Kfm appears to show security guards at a Citywest asylum seeker reception centre restraining an asylum seeker, while one repeatedly punches him in the head up to 16 times.

One man can be seen grabbing the asylum seeker's hair while another hits him in the head.

A Department of Integration spokesperson acknowledged that an incident took place in the Citywest Transit Hub today.

They said an investigation was launched and a security officer has been suspended.

"We are aware of a serious incident that took place in Citywest Transit Hub. An investigation was immediately launched, and a security officer has been suspended pending the results of that investigation."

The spokesperson added: “The safety and security of International Protection applicants is a priority at all times and there is zero tolerance of violent behaviour within IP accommodation settings. All security personnel are Garda vetted and PSA licensed, and any breach of standard security response behaviours is not acceptable."

It is not yet known what happened before the start of the incident.

In the video, someone can be heard saying: “Drag the head of him, drag the head of him, yes, Get him up, get him up, get him up”.

While another says, "Are you gonna knock him on the head?"

Kfm contacted the hotel and were advised to email the International Protection Accommodation Service.

We are awaiting further comment.