Protest planned in support of Nikita Hand following DPP decision not to take criminal case

Nikita Hand won her claim for civil damages against MMA fighter Conor McGregor last Friday. Picture: PA

A march in support of Nikita Hand, who won her claim for damages for sexual assault against MMA star Conor McGregor, is set to take place on Monday. 

Marchers will converge on the office of the DPP to highlight concerns over failures to take a criminal case against McGregor.

Monday is also International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Ruth Coppinger, co-founder of march organisers Rosa Socialist Feminist Movement and general election candidate in Dublin West, praised Ms Hand.

“To expose oneself to the most personal details being pored over in the court and media is an incredibly difficult decision for anyone who has experienced sexual assault or abuse,” she said.

“To do so against an extremely wealthy celebrity with a huge social media following, who can at any time unleash macho and far-right backlash, shows incalculable bravery.

“Nikita Hand has been vindicated by the jury who believed she was raped by Conor McGregor and awarded damages. McGregor may well appeal, but his reputation and commercial appeal is diminished.”

'Chance of Justice'

Ms Coppinger called for the DPP to clarify why they did not allow this case to go forward for prosecution.

“To refuse the chance of justice to someone who had such severe physical injuries is inexplicable,” she said.

During the civil case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” at the decision not to prosecute.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said of the DPP decision: “We have a very independent system in this country, and I think that’s right.

“Our DPP, she’s independent in the decisions that are taken and for good reasons — that there should never be any political interference in that process. 

"There is always an option for an individual to ask for reasons to be outlined as to why the DPP made a particular decision, and that is open to any individual or any case, but I have — since becoming minister —given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open cases specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs.”