Girl stabbed during Parnell Square knife incident stands up for first time since attack

23/11/2023 Garda at the scene of a serious incident on Parnell Square East this afternoon.

The young girl that was injured during the knife attack on Parnell Square in November of 2023 has stood up for the first time since the incident.

The then-five-year-old was injured when Riad Bouchaker attacked a number of people outside a school on Parnell Square.

Three children and a créche worker were injured in the incident.

The girl in question spent more than a year in Temple Street hospital before being allowed to return home just before Christmas.

However, in a positive update on a GoFundMe page which was set up for the victim in the wake of the incident, her family has said they are "powering through."

Writing on Saturday, her mother said today that progress in her recovery has been “great”.

“Yesterday was a major day: our little girl stood up for the first time," she said.

"Assisted by two physiotherapists, one on each side, she planted her two feet on the ground and stood tall. The physios said she was putting weight on her legs, which is a good sign."

Her mother added that the girl had made strides in her "arm and hand movements, neck control, and back strengthening.

She added: “Being around her everyday has been rewarding. It is full-on dedication, even with help, but this is what needs to happen right now. Let us keep powering through.”

In December, Mr Bouchaker’s trial was postponed as lawyers await a report from a neuropsychologist.

Justice McDermott adjourned the matter to February 26 for an update.