Hundreds of people demonstrated on Thursday outside the Irish Parliament in Dublin following the death of Yves Sakila, a man of Congolese origin who died after being restrained by several security officers in the center of the Irish capital. The case has sparked outrage in the country and reignited debates about racism and the use of force.
According to police, Yves Sakila was arrested last Friday following an alleged shoplifting incident on a busy shopping street in Dublin. He lost consciousness at the scene and was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
A video of the incident, widely shared on social media, has deeply shocked the public. The footage shows the man pinned to the ground for several minutes by at least five individuals, as passersby look on. At one point in the video, one of the officers appears to keep a knee on his head or neck for a few seconds.
Protesters quickly drew parallels with the death of George Floyd in the United States in 2020, which became a global symbol of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. "We're calling this a George Floyd moment," said David Kaliba, who had known the victim since high school.
The victim's former classmate described Yves Sakila as a "quiet and shy" person. The release of the video sent shockwaves through Ireland, where several rallies were held to demand justice and a transparent investigation.
The Irish Prime Minister reiterated his call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death. Authorities have yet to release official findings regarding the exact cause of death, while the case continues to stir strong emotions in the country.
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