A protest and rally was held outside of Dáil Éireann last week in memory of Yves Sakila and another this past weekend, with further protests planned.
Hundreds of people gathered on Henry Street on for a vigil in remembrance of 35-yr-old Congolese man Yves, who lost his life following an incident last Friday in the city centre, reports The Mirror.
Video has also emerged of part of the incident, in which Mr Sakila can be seen being restrained by a number of security staff before Gardaí arrive on the scene.
Now, another demonstration will take place outside of Leinster House on Thursday at 1pm, with Yves’ heartbroken mother, Angel, expected to address demonstrators as the family continues to seek answers surrounding his death, reports The Mirror.
“We need to seek justice. Yves was someone’s son and he didn’t deserve to die,” Yves’ friend Walter told the crowd. “Ireland is a peaceful country and we need more togetherness.
“We need more loving among ourselves and no more violence. Justice for Yves, justice for Jimmy. We need more loving, no more rage. We need to come together, regardless of our background.
“We will continue the fight. As Yves’ family are in mourning, we need to stand as a community,” reports The Mirror.
The crowd is chanting “long live the spirit of Yves”.
Speaker Suzie Tansia: “We’re asking our government for five key things that must be done. One, investigate fully and transparently. Trust this must be given every resource it needs, no cover-ups, no delays,” reports The Mirror.
“Two, reformed Garda training on racial bias and intercultural competence with independent oversight and real accountability, not box-ticking,” reports The Mirror.
“Three, legislate against excessive force in civilian detention. Security staff must be held to a clear legal standard.”
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“Four, end the dehumanising rhetoric. Politicians must be held to account for language that creates the conditions for violence. And five, protect black and ethnic minorities and out allies equally under the Irish law, in practise and not just on paper,” reports The Mirror.
Activist Jude Hughes (85), a well known tailor in Dublin City centre speaking now.
He said: “Where would the hospitals be today if it wasn’t for the immigrants,” reports The Mirror.
“We actually need the migrants. To use the migrants as an excuse for the housing problem is an utter lie. There’s no excuse for using migrants as pawns in their game of scapegoats for the housing problem,” reports The Mirror.
Leon from the Black and Irish Organisation is now speaking. He said: “We are here for unity. Our thoughts and prayers for the family of Ives Sakila and also to the family of Jimmy. Only this morning Jimmy said he forgives whoever hurt him.”
An Emer O’Neill is speaking now. She said: “We as people of colour are not headlines. We’re not comment sections, we’re people trying to live, raise our children and work on this beautiful island,” reports The Mirror.
“I’m standing here asking for humanity, for accountability, for courage and for people with positions of power to stop pretending that they do not see what is happening. Because silence has consequences and your silence is deafening,” reports The Mirror.
The singer told reporter Robbie Kane: “I am a musician, I am somebody who makes a living from making music, I’m a believer in this world. I’m a believer in the fact that this world is better for all the people that are in it. I’m a believer in what we can achieve by just being together, by helping each other, by being one with each other. I’m here for that reason,” reports The Mirror.
The crowd are regularly chanting “justice for Yves, dignity for all.” A spoken word artist named Amanda Ade read out a poem. Senator Eileen Flynn is now speaking.
“His legacy will be remembered in this country. It has to be. I have no doubt people in this country will fight for justice for Yves,” reports The Mirror.
“We want answers. We want justice. That’s why we are here, because we are totally concerned,” the rally heard from a speaker.
“We call for accountability and respect for due process. Remember my friends justice denied is justice completely taken away. No cover up and no delay,” reports The Mirror.
The crowd then chanted no cover up no delay.
Another speaker said: “This is not a black issue. This is an Irish issue,” reports The Mirror.
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