Yves Sakila: Protesters set for Irish parliament over death in custody

Protesters are set to gather outside the Irish parliament in Dublin on Thursday to demand justice over the death of Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old Congolese man who died after being detained by security guards.

Sakila was detained by multiple security guards last week over an alleged shoplifting incident. He died shortly after being taken to a hospital.

Footage of the incident circulating on social media has been described as “very disturbing” by the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR). Irish police are investigating.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other political leaders have called for a full investigation. Ireland’s Special Rapporteur on Racism and Racial Equality, Dr Ebun Joseph, said the probe must be “independent and transparent”.

On Tuesday, dozens of people held a vigil outside the shop on Henry Street, singing songs and chanting prayers. A further protest is scheduled outside the Irish parliament on Thursday.

Gardaí said they were alerted to the incident after security personnel detained Sakila on Henry Street around 5 p.m. local time on Friday in connection with an alleged shoplifting.

Police said a man in his 80s was seriously injured as Sakila allegedly attempted to flee the scene. The man was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering.

Sakila became unresponsive at the scene and was transported by ambulance to Mater Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo but grew up in Galway and Dublin.

A video circulating online appears to show multiple security guards restraining Sakila face down on the ground.

Gardaí told BBC News NI that investigations into “all circumstances” are continuing and there are “no significant updates”.

The incident has been referred to Fiosrú, Ireland’s police ombudsman, for investigation.

INAR said the case “appears” to have “hallmarks of a case of excessive use of force”.

“The death of a black man in such circumstances is extremely worrying, and we urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate all of the circumstances leading to this man’s death, in order to ensure minority ethnic community confidence in the criminal justice system,” INAR said.

Dr Ebun Joseph, the Special Rapporteur, said the social media footage is causing “significant distress, fear, and outrage across many communities, particularly among Black and minority ethnic communities”.

In a letter to An Garda Siochana, the Irish justice minister and Fiosrú, Joseph said: “The scenes depicted, including the disproportionate and unnecessary level of force used during Mr Sakila’s restraint, are deeply disturbing and raise urgent and serious questions which require comprehensive examination.”

The incident occurred outside Arnotts, one of Dublin’s best-known department stores.

A spokesperson for Arnotts said “everyone” at the retailer “is deeply saddened” by Sakila’s death and extended “heartfelt sympathies” to his family, friends, and the wider Congolese community in Ireland.

“No loss of life should ever be the outcome of a retail security incident,” the spokesperson said, adding that the company recognizes the “deep hurt and concern this tragedy has caused”.

The spokesperson said Arnotts is cooperating with police and conducting a “full review” with the security firm that provides in-store security.

The retailer added that it cannot make further public comment while the Garda investigation remains active and is “committed” to ensuring that the facts are established.

Walter Kabangu, former vice-president of the Congolese Community in Ireland and a former schoolmate of Sakila, was among those who attended Tuesday’s vigil.

Kabangu told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme that it was incredibly difficult to watch the social media footage involving his school friend.

“Mostly shocking, just seeing the images and seeing someone you used to see back in school in your younger days and then seeing them have such a demise,” he said.

“It’s just a very sad situation that has taken place and something that I find quite regrettable and something that shouldn’t have taken place.”

He said the death had left him “disappointed and shocked”.

“It’s such a tragedy that has impacted our community and is something that has been a shock and such a very saddening moment for the Congolese community,” Kabangu said.

RTÉ reported Laure Zoya as saying that videos and witness testimonies have deeply shocked and traumatised the Congolese, African, and Black communities in Ireland and internationally.

“Many people are disturbed by the level of force shown during the restraint and are demanding full clarity regarding the circumstances that led to Mr Sakila becoming unresponsive,” Zoya said.

Chris Kibiadi, from Dublin, told RTÉ: “It could happen to me, it could happen to you.

“It’s not black or white or anybody, do you know what I mean. We need justice for our brother. I keep saying my brother, because I knew him.”

Extensive condolences have been expressed across the political spectrum for Sakila’s family.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the case must be thoroughly investigated.

“My deepest sympathies go out to his family, and to the wider Congolese community,” he said.

“The situation will have to be thoroughly investigated, and needs to be thoroughly investigated.

“I don’t want to prejudice the outcome of that investigation but I think a lot of people are clearly very concerned about what has transpired here.”

Irish justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said there must be a “thorough garda investigation”.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns called the social media video “deeply concerning” and said there must be a “full and comprehensive investigation into what happened”.