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The Print
2 days ago
- Business
- The Print
13 racist attacks on Indians in Ireland in a month including on 6-yr-old girl. Here's what's happening
New Delhi: A taxi driver, an IT professional, and even a six-year-old child have been victims of alleged racially motivated attacks against the Indian community in Ireland in the last month. Last Sunday, an Indian male was allegedly attacked by three persons and required eight stitches. Currently, he is planning to leave the country. At least 13 attacks have been reported to the Indian Embassy in Dublin since the first widely covered attack on an Indian by nearly 30 people on 19 July, embassy sources have informed ThePrint. Show Full Article The Indian community in Ireland has grown to roughly 100,000 in recent years, with Indians working, especially, in the healthcare, hospitality, and information & technology sectors, having relocated to the Western European nation. Ireland is also home to a large number of students from India. The growth of migrant communities, particularly the Indian community, has been linked to the housing crisis in the country. However, Prashant Shukla, the co-chair of the Ireland India Council (IIC) labelled the claims of linking the Indian community to the housing crisis as 'unfounded' and could 'provoke' hostility in other parts of the country. Earlier this year, Irish property website highlighted that rental prices across Ireland increased by 3.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025—the joint second-largest quarterly increase since at least 2006. Growing year-on-year by 8.2 percent, Dublin's average rental prices now touch EUR 2,461. It is particularly true for West County. A report notes that a general uptick in housing prices has spiked the rental inflation to 7.3 percent in Ireland. According to The Irish Times, since the COVID-19 pandemic, rents have increased by 48 percent. In this environment, the Indian community has faced several attacks, leading to condemnation across the political system in Ireland, especially as the country has, for long, been welcoming of immigrants. On 1 August, the Indian Embassy in Dublin put out an advisory, urging Indians to 'take reasonable precautions' for their 'personal safety.' Irish President Michael D. Higgins condemned the attacks Tuesday, calling them 'despicable' and a 'stark contradiction to the values' that the country holds dear. 'That any person in Ireland, particularly any young person, should be drawn into such behaviour through manipulation or provocation is to be unequivocally condemned. Whether such provocation stems from ignorance or malice, it is essential to acknowledge the harm it is causing. Such acts diminish all of us and obscure the immeasurable benefits the people of India have brought to the life of this country,' said Higgins. Last week, a six-year-old girl of Indian-origin was allegedly racially targeted by a group of children outside her home in Waterford, according to media reports. The group of children allegedly hit the girl in the face. The group consisted of several boys and at least one young girl, according to reports. In recent years, there has been a growth of the Far-Right parties in Ireland, focussed on limiting migration. In last year's November general elections, no Far-Right candidate was elected to the Daíl (Lower House in Ireland). However, local elections in June 2024 saw at least five Far-Right candidates elected to local councils, including three Independents and one candidate each from the Irish Freedom Party and the National Party. This is the first time that two registered Far-Right parties hold office in Ireland, according to reports. Fear & anger within Indian community The attacks have led the Ireland India Council (IIC) to postpone the celebrations for India Day, which coincides with the country's 15 August Independence Day. IIC co-chair Prashant Shukla, in a statement to ThePrint, said that the celebrations were postponed to prevent further hate crimes against the Indian community in Ireland. 'India Day is a cherished occasion, celebrating the rich culture, friendship, and shared democratic values between Ireland and India. However, to proceed with a celebration at Farmleigh House and Estate while our community is enduring such distress would be deeply inappropriate. It would be emotionally challenging for many of our performers to sing, dance, and celebrate during a period of such profound suffering,' said Shukla. He added: 'The IIC's decision is therefore a proactive measure to prevent the further escalation of hate crimes and to focus on fostering a safe, harmonious, and inclusive environment for all.' The IIC has been hosting India Day since 2015. The Indian mission in Dublin, on the other hand, is preparing for the 15 August Independence Day celebrations, which will include a cultural programme and a flag hoisting on its premises. According to diplomatic sources, the Indian Ambassador to Ireland, Akhilesh Mishra, has been 'maintaining close contact' with the Director General of the Asia Pacific Unit of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as Irish Ambassador to India Kevin Kelly, to 'monitor the developments and local responses'. 'The embassy is also in direct communication with the Indian diaspora in Ireland. An institutionalised mechanism is in place for real-time contact and sharing of regular updates between the Embassy and the Indian diaspora across Ireland,' added the source. While the government and members of the Irish public have come out in support of the Indians, the source highlighted serious 'concern, fear, and anger' existing within the community. The authorities, he said, need to take 'concrete action' against the perpetrators while enhancing security measures for the safety of people in public spaces. Also Read: '4 Indian men stabbed in 4 days'—Irish woman who came to aid of Indian attacked in Dublin suburb The Irish response The first reported incident took place 19 July, when a person of Indian-origin was allegedly assaulted and partially stripped in Tallaght, Dublin, according to videos circulating on social media. Mishra, the Indian Ambassador to Ireland, met with the members of the Indian community association 23 July. On Monday, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, met with representatives from the Indian community and condemned the attacks against the people of Indian-origin in Ireland. 'Today, I met representatives of Ireland's [Indian] community. I completely condemn the despicable acts of violence and racism that we have seen against some members of the [Indian] community in recent weeks,' Harris said in a statement on X. Shukla, who, along with the Irish Tánaiste, led the IIC delegation to the meeting, tells ThePrint that the Irish government has accepted all six demands put forth by the representatives at the meeting. The demands included recognising the assaults as a hate crime, creating an inter-ministerial task force on youth violence, swift prosecution of the offenders, legislative reforms to hold parents accountable for hate crimes by minors in their care, immediate outreach to the affected communities, enhanced community policing, and security provisions in affected areas to restore public confidence. The government, at all levels, have taken cognisance of the crimes, with Indian representatives set to meet with the Minister of Justice soon, and to aid in the creation of a national integration policy. The Irish public has also condemned the attacks. Irish cricketer Kevin O'Brien, in a statement, said he was 'deeply saddened' by the 'recent racist and hateful acts against Indians in Ireland.' 'India and its people hold a very special place in my heart and in the hearts of my fellow Irish teammates. We have always loved playing in India. The warmth and love we have received there have always made us feel at home…I want to reiterate to the Indian community that Ireland is your home too,' added O'Brien. In recent years, Ireland has become a major destination for Indian students and skilled labour, especially in the healthcare and information technology sectors. Ireland now houses 1,00,000 Indians or Indian-origin people, who make up one percent of the Irish population. (Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Indian student latest to be attacked in Dublin as India Day gets postponed
LONDON: An Indian student attacked in Ireland at the weekend said he was leaving Ireland as a result and would finish his course online from India. The man, in his 20s, was walking home from Fairview Park in Dublin at 5.30 pm local time on Sunday when he was kicked and punched by a gang of teenagers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now One of the group took his metal water bottle and hit him above the eye, causing heavy bleeding. He was taken to hospital where he received eight stitches. Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the assault and his injuries are 'non-life threatening'. An Indian-origin woman has put a post on Reddit saying her 60-year-old father was harassed by boys, aged around seven and eight, who tried to take his wallet at a bus stop in Dublin on Aug 9. These are just the latest in a string of racist attacks targeting Indians in Ireland which have left the Indian community terrified to step outside. India Day in Ireland, which celebrates the country's cultural ties, has been postponed this Sunday owing to the wave of hate crimes. The event has been organised by the Ireland India Council since 2015. A Ficci India Day event is going ahead in Dublin on Aug 17. Indian community leaders met Ireland deputy PM Simon Harris on Monday after which he condemned the 'despicable acts of violence and racism'. Chairman of the Ireland India Council Prashant Shukla told Ireland AM: 'We weren't worried about the event itself as the Gardaí assured us about safety, but we were worried about the perception it could lead to further attacks. Our message to the Irish community is that these attacks are attacks on your economy and industry. Policing needs to go to the next level. I feel there are not proper investigations and arrests. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We are all working, paying taxes and contributing to the economy. No one is getting a free house. People are spreading misinformation that Indians buying houses is causing house prices to go up.' President of Ireland Michael D Higgins on Tuesday also condemned the attacks. 'A lot of Indians are reconsidering their choices and may move back to India if the situation doesn't improve. It is mostly being caused by far-right groups encouraging teenagers to attack immigrants. Indians are the most visible immigrants here,' said Indian national Some Aditya Mandal, who has worked in Dublin for eight years.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'India Day' celebrations delayed in Ireland over 'racist' attacks
LONDON: One of Ireland's largest celebrations of Indian culture was postponed following "violent attacks" on the community in recent months, the Ireland India Council announced on Monday. "We feel that the situation at the moment is not conducive for holding India Day," said the cultural and trade association's co-chairman Prashant Shukla after a meeting with Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Simon Harris. The celebrations, scheduled for this Sunday, have been organised by the council in collaboration with the Irish government since 2015 and feature various cultural performances. Shukla said the decision to postpone the event was "very difficult" but was taken for the safety of the community. "I completely condemn the despicable acts of violence and racism that we have seen against some members of the community in recent weeks," said Harris in an X post after the meeting with Indian community leaders. Ireland's police force did not clarify the number or nature of these incidents when asked. The Indian Embassy in Dublin earlier this month issued a safety warning after "an increase in instances of physical attacks reported against Indian citizens in Ireland recently". Indians "are advised to take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours", said the embassy in a statement. The Irish embassy in New Delhi said it condemned the attacks and was in contact with police regarding investigations. Local media reported that a 6-year-old girl of Indian origin was assaulted and called racial slurs last week in southeast Ireland. The Irish Times also reported that an Indian taxi driver was attacked with a broken bottle by two passengers in Dublin and told to "go back to your country". Shukla said there was "concern (...) at the speed of hate coming on our social media". In an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE, he pointed to a rise in "extreme right propaganda and some false perception" that Indian immigrants were to blame for Ireland's housing problems. Shukla said the new date for the event — "one of the largest India-related events in Ireland", according to an Irish government website — would be announced at a later date. India celebrates gaining independence from British colonial rule on Aug 15, with events held around the world by its large diaspora.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What Ireland president said on migration, online hate after racist attacks on Indians: ‘…to lose a part of ourselves'
In his condemnation of recent racists attacks on Indians in his country, Ireland President Michael D Higgins made some key points about migration and its role in society. 'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward," said President Michael D Higgins.(X/@PresidentIRL) 'Ireland has long been shaped by migration, both outward and inward. Those who left our shores carried our culture and values into faraway lands, often depending on the generosity of strangers,' his statement read. {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} He said 'shared human experience' should inform how we must treat 'those who have come to make their lives here (in Ireland)'. 'To forget that is to lose a part of ourselves,' he stressed. He mentioned social media platforms among the shared space that 'should never be poisoned from messages of hate'. He further expressed worry for what he called 'the most fundamental and enduring instincts of Irishness… hospitality, friendship, and care for others'. On the Indian community, in particular, he wrote: 'We are all mindful of the immense contribution this community has made, and continues to make, to so many aspects of Irish life, in medicine, nursing, the caring professions, in cultural life, in business and enterprise, to cite just some. Their presence, their work, their culture, have been a source of enrichment and generosity to our shared life." {{^usCountry}} His detailed statement came after at least two major incidents: one in which a six-year-old girl of Indian origin was assaulted and racially abused; the other an assault on an Indian taxi driver by two passengers who told him to "go back to your country". {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} His detailed statement came after at least two major incidents: one in which a six-year-old girl of Indian origin was assaulted and racially abused; the other an assault on an Indian taxi driver by two passengers who told him to "go back to your country". {{/usCountry}} Read More {{^usCountry}} As security worries mount, one of the country's largest celebrations of Indian culture was postponed. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} As security worries mount, one of the country's largest celebrations of Indian culture was postponed. {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} The Ireland India Council announced: "We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. 'Extreme-right propaganda' on the rise, says cultural council chief {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The Ireland India Council announced: "We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. 'Extreme-right propaganda' on the rise, says cultural council chief {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} The association's co-chairman Prashant Shukla said in an interview that 'extreme-right propaganda' is on the rise, and there is a false perception being fueled that immigrants are to blame for Ireland's housing problems. {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} The association's co-chairman Prashant Shukla said in an interview that 'extreme-right propaganda' is on the rise, and there is a false perception being fueled that immigrants are to blame for Ireland's housing problems. {{/usCountry}} President Higgins' comments, thus, come at a time also when far-right populist figure and former ring fighter Conor McGregor has announced to contest the Irish presidential elections later this year on an anti-immigration stance. McGregor, 36, has met Donald Trump at the White House and is one of many European right-wing allies of the US president. 'Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness,' McGregor has said, claiming that rural towns in the country are 'being overrun by immigrants'. Immigration has indeed become an issue ahead of the elections, though still not at the front of people's minds, the BBC reported. But for the first time ever it is a consideration, said the report, analysing the mood a year after riots broke out in Dublin. The Dublin riots, sparked by the stabbing of three children and a staff member outside a primary school in November 2023, led to fake news and disinformation on social media that demonised asylum seekers and other immigrants. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'India Day' celebrations in Ireland postponed amid increased violent attacks on Indians
The annual 'India Day' celebrations in Ireland, scheduled to take place on Sunday, were postponed amid the recent spike in violent attacks on Indians in the country. India Day celebrations mainly feature an array of Indian and Irish songs, classical and Bollywood dance, music, and cultural presentations.(X/@iic_info) Prashant Shukla, co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, said on Monday that it was not a "conducive" time to hold the event, which is coinciding with the Indian Independence Day, August 15. Shukla made the remarks after meeting with Irish deputy prime minister, Tánaiste Simon Harris, to discuss the Indian community's concerns over the violent attacks in recent weeks. 'We discussed a range of issues, particularly safety and security of Indians in Ireland,' Shukla told reporters after the meeting. He added, "We want to make an announcement, as we feel the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive. We will review the situation and announce new dates." Meanwhile, deputy PM Harris also took to X and thanked the "very positive contribution" of the Indian community to Ireland. "Today, I met representatives of Ireland's Indian community. I completely condemn the despicable acts of violence and racism that we have seen against some members of the Indian community in recent weeks," Harris added. The Ireland India Council has been organising India Day every year since 2015 at Dublin's Farmleigh House and Estate at Phoenix Park, in collaboration with the Irish government and community organisations such as the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland (FICI). Last week, the Garda National Diversity Unit of the Irish police said that it was looking forward to joining the event as an opportunity to 'provide any help and reassurance in light of recent concerns'. India Day celebrations mainly feature an array of Indian and Irish songs, classical and Bollywood dance, music, and cultural presentations, including fashion shows and a craft market. Prashant Shukla told reporters, "The main purpose of India Day is friendship and the celebration of freedom, not only by the Indian community but also the Irish community. It is an unfortunate decision, but (members of the Indian community) stand by it because it is the correct decision." More concerned about 'social media perception' Revealing that hundreds of performers and volunteers had been preparing for the event throughout the year, Shukla said that the tense situation forced them to take this "very, very difficult" decision. "Above all, the safety and security of the members of the Indian community and wider Irish and multinational communities is more important than anything," he added. Further, Shukla noted that more than the safety at the event, the community was concerned about the "perception in the social media created by some extreme right and extreme left propaganda". "They also create a perception that Indians have taken over the streets and the housing problem is because of the Indians. So, we just want to balance these counter-narratives," he said. Meanwhile, Dublin's Archbishop, Dermot Farrell, issued a strongly worded statement this week against the "unprovoked" attacks. 'It is time to call out those who peddle racial hatred. It is time to stand up to those who seek to divide our community through rumour and malice,' said Farrell's statement. It further read, "The truth is that the Indian community in Dublin comprises many people who have come to Dublin to make an important and valued contribution to our society. We are all familiar with the vital presence of Indian professionals in our healthcare system, without whom many healthcare needs simply could not be met. Others apply their skills in other important sectors of the economy and also contribute to funding public services through their taxes." The Irish Embassy last week reacted to the recent violent attacks on Indians in the country and said, "We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. They are an assault on the values of equality and human dignity that Ireland holds dear.' The embassy further said that racism and xenophobia have no place in Irish society. It added that the actions of a few do not show the true spirit of the Irish people and will not be accepted. After reports of a brutal attack on a 40-year-old Indian man at Parkhill Road in Dublin's Tallaght suburb last month, several instances of similar targeted attacks on the community across Ireland have emerged. Most recently, an Indian-origin woman alleged that her 60-year-old father was subjected to racial harassment and inappropriate behaviour by a couple of young boys, likely aged around 7 or 8 years old, at a bus stop in Dublin. The woman claimed that the boys first asked for selfies with her father but then, they began mocking him while one of them allegedly tried to grab his wallet from his pocket. On August 1, the Indian Embassy in Dublin issued an advisory to its citizens, asking them to "take reasonable precautions for their personal security and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours". The embassy said that it was in touch with the Irish authorities regarding the increased instances of physical attacks reported against Indians.
