A woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in North Dublin last week. As the Gardaí launched the investigation, racist accusations online pointed to male refugees or Black men.

The incident reportedly occurred on Cappagh Road in Finglas, Dublin 11. It happened early on Friday morning, as the woman was on her way home.

The inaccurate conclusion in relation to who might have been responsible for the assault was the result of rumours being spread in anti-migrant right-wing circles online. Before the Gardaí announcement today, the misdirected emotions had been whipped into a fervour, resulting in demonstrations in the streets of Dublin. Yesterday, some disruptive demonstrations blocked traffic in the City Centre and diverted bus routes.

Tensions have been building for a while, as a result of far-right agitation. Monday saw it's own anti-racism and anti-violence protest, organised in response to racist attacks at a homeless migrant camp over the weekend in Ashtown, Dublin 15.

The attackers came to the camp with dogs, armed with sticks and a baseball bat, claiming that individuals in the camp to be responsible for the sexual assault incident on Friday. It is now clear that, on the basis of the Garda investigation to date, and the real suspect profile they have revealed, the anti-asylum seeker claim has no weight.

Far right activist Graham Carey was arrested this morning, after threatening that protestors were going to "go through" Finglas Garda Station at an anti-immigrant protest later today. Carey has been a loud voice in the far-right, anti-asylum seeker movement.

The investigation into the sexual assault case remains ongoing. The spread of disinformation, and denial of facts, is continuing to circulate online even after the Garda announcement.

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre's National 24- Hour Helpline: 1800 77 8888.

 

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