Hundreds of anti-immigrant protesters burn vehicle, attack police in Dublin

"At least 1,000 protesters have clashed with police in southwest Dublin, throwing bottles and launching fireworks at authorities during anti-immigration demonstrations sparked by allegations of an attack on a young girl. Protesters came out in droves after a report that a 26-year-old man had sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which houses asylum applicants in Saggart, southwest of the Irish capital."

"The unnamed man, who appeared in court on Tuesday, was charged in connection with the sexual assault. Local media reported that the man, who asked for a Romanian interpreter in court, was an asylum seeker. Police have not confirmed his ethnicity. The young girl was reportedly under the care of the state at the time of the incident. Tusla, Ireland's child and family agency, said the girl absconded during a trip to the city centre and was reported missing."

"The protests, held near the grounds of the hotel on Tuesday, turned violent, with anti-immigrant protesters launching fireworks at police, carrying signs that read Irish lives matter, and chanting, Get them out! A police van was set on fire as officers charged at protesters, using pepper spray to push them away from the hotel complex, the news agency AFP reported."

At least 1,000 protesters clashed with police in southwest Dublin, throwing bottles and launching fireworks during anti-immigration demonstrations sparked by allegations of an attack on a young girl. The protests were prompted by a report that a 26-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl on the grounds of the Citywest Hotel, which houses asylum applicants in Saggart. The unnamed man was charged in connection with the assault and appeared in court, reportedly requesting a Romanian interpreter. Tusla said the girl absconded during a trip to the city centre and was reported missing. Violence included a police van set on fire and use of pepper spray. Ministers described the events as unacceptable and very grave, warning of forceful responses. The protests follow riots in Dublin two years earlier.

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