Gardaí not expected to charge asylum seeker with terror offences
Gardaí told the court that the application for an extension was based on a belief he potentially posed a threat to public security, had not made reasonable efforts to establish his identity and had acted in a manner that could undermine the international protection system. File picture: Dan Linehan
Gardaí are not expected to bring terrorism charges against an asylum seeker over alleged threats to carry out a mass shooting.
The individual is currently in detention in prison under asylum legislation based on garda fears he is a risk to public safety. He is due back in court this Friday.
A final determination on his asylum status, including any appeal, is due to be known by Friday’s hearing — at which stage he could face deportation.
The man was previously convicted in Britain for making threats to carry out a terrorist act, including a bomb attack. He also claimed to have links with an Islamist terror group.
After serving a short sentence, he was deported by British authorities to his home country in Africa, sometime in 2023. He appears to have come to Ireland in 2024.
The man is being held at Cloverhill Remand Prison, where immigration-related detainees are kept.
It was reported in the over a week ago that gardaí sought an extension at Cloverhill District Court to his detention, which was granted.
The man is being held under Section 20 of the International Protection Act, which allows an asylum seeker to be detained for up to 21 days on a number of grounds.
It is understood that a final decision on his asylum case, including any appeal, will be known by Friday. The individual cannot be identified as he has an asylum claim pending decision, with applicants entitled to anonymity under the act.
The man’s defence had objected to the garda application for an extension to the detention. They also informed the court that the man suffers from psychosis and required medication.
Gardaí told the court that the application for an extension was based on a belief he potentially posed a threat to public security, had not made reasonable efforts to establish his identity and had acted in a manner that could undermine the international protection system.
The public security concerns related to an alleged threat to carry out a mass shooting, and emailed threats relating to “national security”, with the matters under investigation.
Gardaí are not expected to bring terrorism charges against the man, though confirmation will not be certain until Friday.
The understands the threats are being assessed in the context of his psychiatric condition. This in turn influences an assessment on the credibility of the threat and any real intent to carry it out.
It is further thought the man has no known links to Islamist terrorist groups. Gardaí might also have factored in his potential deportation.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
