Online abuse and racist trolling have erupted following the death of 35-year-old Yves Sakila, who died after being restrained by security guards outside Arnotts last Friday, reports The Mirror.
Footage showing Mr Sakila being pinned to the ground circulated widely across social media platforms this week, while a vigil attended by members of the public and his family took place on Henry Street on Tuesday.
However, offensive memes and mocking content relating to his death have since spread across platforms including X, Facebook and WhatsApp.
The Irish Mirror said it would not republish the material due to its disturbing nature. reports The Mirror.
Shane O’Curry, director of the Irish Network Against Racism, condemned the posts and described them as deeply upsetting, though sadly unsurprising given the current social climate.
He said a small but highly organised group has spent years attempting to normalise the dehumanisation of Black and minority communities online.
Mr O’Curry added that despite the noise generated online, the majority of Irish people were horrified by Mr Sakila’s death and showed solidarity through the large turnout at the vigil and gestures of support from local businesses and members of the public on Henry Street. reports The Mirror.
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