35 year old Yves Sakila, originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, died on Friday after being restrained by up to six people on Henry Street, following an alleged shoplifting incident.
A video of the incident showed Mr Sakila being forcibly restrained by five men before becoming motionless. Mr Sakila was taken to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
People Before Profit’s representative for the area, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, expressed deep concern about the level of force used against Mr Sakila and called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances of his death.
Ó Ceannabháin said:
“The death of Yves Sakila has raised serious concern about excessive force used against him by security guards on Henry Street on Friday.
“A deeply disturbing video of the incident shows five men using force to pin Mr Sakila down for an extended period. At a particularly disturbing point in the video, someone is seen to kneel heavily on his neck and head. Mr Sakila is heard shouting in distress before becoming motionless
“Members of the Congolese community in Ireland have expressed their shock and anger over Mr Sakila’s death, and they have demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the events surrounding his death.
“There are also reports of another person being injured in the incident and I hope that they make a full recovery.
“The Irish Network Against Racism has also expressed its deep concern about the death of a black man in such circumstances, and said the case shows all the hallmarks of a case of excessive force.
“Immigrants are facing increasing hostility and fear of attack created by far-right groups, but also by anti-immigrant government policies and rhetoric. Bertie Ahern’s recent comments were a shameful example of how government parties are fanning the flames of anti-immigrant hatred to divert from their own disastrous policies. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael bear heavy responsibility for the fear immigrant communities have to live with today.
“I want to offer my sympathies to Mr Sakila’s family and friends and I support the calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death.”