The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast: Who was Yves Sakila?

The grieving family of Yves Sakila say they want justice, not political point-scoring, after his death in Dublin.

Yves Sakila’s family have spoken publicly for the first time since his death sparked outrage and international attention.

“He was polite, gentle, and quiet. Life just went the wrong way for him.”

The death of Yves Sakila in Dublin last week prompted widespread outrage after footage of him being restrained by security guards went viral and made international headlines.

However, his grieving family did not attend the protests and, until yesterday, had not spoken publicly to any media outlets.

The Irish Examiner’s senior news reporter Alison O’Reilly sat down with his adoptive mother, Angel Issemezey Anzibi, and his siblings to learn more about the son and brother they describe as “gentle and smart”, who was able to fix almost anything around the house.

Although he remained in regular contact with his family and was kind and caring towards his younger siblings, Yves had left home as a teenager following a marital breakdown and struggles with mental health. 

He spent many years living on the streets after leaving the foster care system.

“All the time he came home,” Angel said. “He came for food. He came to see us. He helped around the house. He was always my child.”

The family said his death has been hijacked by political interests. They insist they are not interested in political point-scoring and simply want justice for Yves.

Alison O'Reilly is this week's guest on the Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast.