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Gardaí is preparing for a possible repeat of the violence by right-wing extremists that was witnessed at an ‘anti-mask’ protest three weeks ago.
It comes as detectives are said to be making “good progress” in their investigation into an assault during that protest outside the Dáil and hope to send a file to the DPP soon.
On the other hand, gardaí has identified the alleged organizers of the protest last Saturday on Grafton Street in Dublin, during which hundreds of ‘anti-mask’ protesters carried out a sit-in on the pedestrian street.
Gardaí in the city center is concerned there may be similar violence this weekend to that which occurred on the sidelines of an ‘anti-mask’ rally outside Leinster House on September 12.
“There is great concern on the far right,” said a senior source. “They did not appear this Saturday, but they are expected next Saturday, when there is another planned protest.”
The source said: “The fear is that it could be like three weeks ago and the fascists may be there, to cause trouble. There could be a confrontation between them and the Antifa side and we have to come between them. ”
Gardaí says that far-right groups “cling to” other protests, such as the “anti-mask” movement.
“They’re gougers,” said a source, “even causing a bit of chaos. We know a lot of them.”
Meanwhile, detectives conducting an investigation into an assault on a notorious anti-fascist protester Izzy Kamikaze outside the Dáil on September 12 are said to be making “good progress” in their investigations.
Gardaí has dismissed accusations by far-right groups that there was no assault and that fake blood was used.
“There was an assault and a damaged belt came off his head,” said a source.
Her assailant is suspected of hitting her on the head with a wooden board wrapped in a tricolor.
Ms. Kamikaze was one of four counter-protesters, three of them women, who were surrounded by a larger group of mainly men, many hooded and masked.
The group members pushed the counter-protesters and yelled verbal insults at them and chanted offensive slogans.
It is understood that the detectives are hoping for a positive outcome in their investigation and a file should be sent to the DPP in the next few weeks.
Furthermore, a criminal investigation is underway into the organizers of last Saturday’s ‘anti-mask’ protest, in which hundreds of people packed Dublin’s pedestrianized Grafton Street and staged a sit-in.
understands that a short list of suspected organizers has been identified.
Sources said these people will be interviewed and other evidence will be collected, and a file will be prepared for the DPP.
According to Covid-19 legislation, it is a crime to organize an outdoor event for more than 15 people.
Images of the protest on Dublin’s main shopping street were circulated online, including by shop staff along it.
Gardaí said protesters had gathered at Customs House Quay, after which a smaller group headed to an ESB depot in Dublin Port, apparently to protest rising electricity prices. A larger group walked to the south side and up towards Trinity College.
But instead of taking Nassau Street towards the Dáil, as is customary in protests, they entered Grafton Street.
Garda sources emphasized that they had no power to prevent them, pointing out that participating in an organized event is not a crime.
“The protests can go anywhere,” said a garda. “We have no power to stop them.”
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