Distressing scene of detention and subsequent death poses very serious questions for security
Distressing scene of detention and subsequent death poses very serious questions for security - The Labour Party
Labour TD for Dublin Central Marie Sherlock and by-election candidate Ruth O’Dea have expressed sympathies with the family, friends and colleagues of a Congolese man, living here in Ireland for many years, who died in Dublin on Friday.
Speaking today, Deputy Sherlock said:
“I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of Yves Sakila and the close knit Congolese community in this city. My thoughts are also very much with the injured elderly man innocently going about this business.
“The distressing scenes captured in footage circulated online appear to go way beyond any proportionate response to protecting the public and apprehending a suspect.
“Harrowing footage of the apprehended man show him to be already subdued by the presence of at least three or more men, before a knee and body weight was applied to his neck and shoulder area. It is shocking.
“The security sector has transformed over the past decade with the professionalism and licensing of security personnel operating across every sector of the economy. It is with great sadness that these standards fell far short on Friday and now we have serious questions about the cause of death for Yves Sakila, a man of colour in our city.
“I have been in contact with the AGS overseeing the investigation and with Arnotts to express my alarm at the situation and to ensure that there is a full investigation of the facts.”
Ruth O’Dea said:
“I want to express my concern at the death of Yves Sakila on Henry Street on Friday. I want to extend my deepest and most sincere sympathies to his family, friends, colleagues and the entire Congolese community in Dublin.
“The video circulating of the minutes leading up to Mr Sakila’s death is absolutely horrific. I note that the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR) has said it is very concerned that excessive force may have been used against Mr Sakila.
“I echo the calls of INAR for a full investigation into all the circumstances leading to Mr Sakila’s death. A post-mortem has ben ordered, and we understand that the incident has been referred to Fiosru. This is welcome.
“We need to ensure that all the circumstances of this incident are thoroughly examined.”