Death of Congolese man in Dublin needs to be investigated, says Taoiseach

Gardaí cordon off a section of Henry Street in front of Arnott’s on Friday. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

The case of a Congolese man who died following an incident at a Dublin store must be thoroughly investigated, the Taoiseach has said.

Micheál Martin expressed his sympathies to the man’s family and said “a lot of people are clearly very concerned” in the aftermath of events.

A vigil is to be held on Henry Street on Tuesday afternoon in the wake of the man’s death.

Gardaí were alerted after security personnel detained a man on Henry Street in connection with alleged shoplifting at a retail store on the same street after 5pm on Friday.

The detained man became unresponsive at the scene and was later pronounced dead in hospital.

The man has been named as Yves Sakila, a Congolese man aged in his 30s.

Asked about the incident on Tuesday morning, Mr Martin shared his “deepest sympathies” with the man’s family.

“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.”

Social Democrats justice spokesman Gary Gannon said a video circulating on social media of the incident was “deeply disturbing and distressing”.

“My thoughts are with Mr Sakila’s family and friends, who are grieving at the moment,” he said.

“This incident has also spread fear and upset throughout our migrant community.

“There must be an immediate, comprehensive and transparent investigation into all of the circumstances which may have led to Mr Sakila’s death.

“The migrant community in Ireland is suffering from rising hate and discrimination, which the Government has done very little to combat.

“My thoughts and solidarity are with Ireland’s migrant community at this difficult time.”

- Press Association