DUBLIN: Public protest continues over the death of the mentally ill George Nkencho, who was shot by Gardai. Dozens of people took to the streets of Dublin yesterday with various placards and slogans. The 27-year-old was shot dead by members of Blanchardstown Garda Armed Support Unit in his backyard in Clonee, west Dublin. The atrocity was in the name of threatening Gardai with a knife.
For the second day in a row, protests by friends, relatives and locals have continued, demanding action against Garda. More than 150 people attended the protest. The protesters are planning a 14-day continuous protest. The protesters allege that the young man was killed in the name of minority racism. Garda fired at the young man five times. The video footage taken by the passerby on his mobile phone is circulating. The protesters demanded that action be taken against members of the Blanchardstown Garda Armed Support Unit.
On Twitter, Mr Nkencho’s sister Gloria wrote that her brother was mentally ill and not a thief or a criminal. “Those who knew him know the type of person he was, he was not a thug nor a criminal,” she said.
The protesters held a candlelit vigil before marching from the Spire on Dublin’s O’Connell street to Pearse Street Garda station. Protesters chanted “no justice, no peace”, “say his name, George Nkencho” and later, “five shots killed him” and “f*** the police”. Placards with slogans such as “black lives matter” and “thug is not a synonym for black” were raised.
All those gathered at the protest were young people under 20. The silent protest was organized wearing black clothes, wearing a face mask and keeping a social distance. All those who addressed the march were sharply critical of Garda’s racist bias and Ireland’s direct provision system.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she understands the protesters’ concerns and upset. “It is extremely important that we allow the process to take its course. GSOC [Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission] have already begun that investigation and obviously we need to ascertain all of the facts as to what happened,” she said.
“We are fortunate to have very few fatalities related to policing in Ireland, but all are fully and independently investigated by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission. GSOC is headed by a High Court judge, and their independent investigation has already begun into the events in Hartstown,” Ms. McEntee added.