Irish president condemns ‘despicable attacks’ on Indian community

Irish President Michael D. Higgins on August 13, 2025 condemned a wave of racially motivated attacks against the Indian community, calling the assaults “despicable” and against Irish values. At least 13 incidents have been reported to the Indian Embassy in Dublin since July 19, with cases in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Ballymun, and Waterford. Victims include a six‑year‑old girl, taxi drivers, IT workers, and students. One recent victim assaulted by teenagers in Dublin is returning to India due to safety fears. The embassy has issued an urgent advisory, and organizers have postponed a major cultural event amid rising worry.

President Higgins praised the Indian community’s role in medicine, nursing, business, and culture, and pointed to decades of ties between Ireland and India. He urged protection of shared spaces, including online platforms, from hate and calls for violence.

Government response and policing steps

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan met leaders from the Ireland India Council and the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland on August 14. He described the violence as “totally unacceptable” and “abhorrent,” and noted that many suspects are minors. Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers are working with youth groups, and Senior Investigating Officers have been assigned to every case.

Officials say the new Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 is in force and is being applied to current files, increasing sentencing ranges for hate‑motivated crimes and promising severe consequences for those found guilty. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Harris also met community representatives, condemned the assaults, and restated the state’s duty to keep people safe.

Police and community actions currently include:
– Senior Investigating Officers assigned to every file and coordinating witness interviews, CCTV reviews, and evidence gathering.
– Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers engaging with youth clubs and schools to prevent further attacks.
– Community officers attending local meetings and liaising with victims.
– Encouragement for protest organizers and witnesses to report threats and share video evidence.

Key facts at a glance:
– Incidents reported: 13 (in less than a month)
– Estimated Indian community nationwide: 100,000
– Cultural event postponed: Ireland India Council’s “India Day,” originally set for August 17, 2025

Community leaders have pushed back against claims linking migrants to the housing crisis, warning such claims are false and can fuel abuse.

Safety guidance and community impact

The Indian Embassy’s advisory urges extra care, especially in deserted areas and at odd hours. It asks people to travel in groups when possible and to report threats immediately. Many families say they feel afraid to go outside; some are weighing a move back to India. Religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Dublin, have called the assaults “truly shocking” and “unprovoked.”

Practical steps for anyone affected:
1. Call 999 or 112 to reach An Garda Síochána right away.
2. Contact the Indian Embassy in Dublin to report the case and ask for help.
3. Follow the embassy’s safety advice and avoid high‑risk places late at night or when alone.
4. Link up with local groups such as the Ireland India Council and the Federation of Indian Communities in Ireland for updates and support.
5. Watch official channels for announcements and fresh guidance.

Organizers said canceling “India Day” was painful but prudent. The decision underscores how the threat has hurt the cultural life of a community that has long been part of Ireland’s hospitals, labs, restaurants, and universities. Parents and students describe changing routines and staying in groups when they can—the aim being to stay careful without giving in to fear.

Many in the community say the core issue is stopping violence and keeping people safe, not linking migrants to broader policy problems.

Media and civil society groups have warned for months about rising far‑right activity and its role in stirring anger toward immigrants. Critics argue that parts of the political class and some media outlets were slow to confront the trend. President Higgins stressed the need to keep both streets and online spaces free from hate, highlighting shared Irish and Indian history and thanking Indian nurses, doctors, workers, and entrepreneurs who contribute to public services and the wider economy.

Minister O’Callaghan said the state will bring offenders—minors included—before the courts where evidence supports charges. Police stress that although many suspects are teenagers, this does not lessen the harm.

Official updates on hate crime policy and enforcement are available from the Department of Justice: https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-justice/

Evidence sharing and police appeals

Police say they are pursuing all leads and working closely with victims. People who recorded incidents are urged to share video and photos with investigators. Protesters and community organizers have held meetings across Dublin and other towns, calling for faster investigations and stronger protection for local residents.

Under the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024, a demonstrated hate motive can increase penalties on conviction.

Debate, community response, and next steps

Some public debate has attempted to tie recent migration to the country’s housing shortage. Indian community members reject the link as unfounded and dangerous, saying it distracts from stopping violence and protecting people. President Higgins called for unity based on respect, not division.

What’s next:
– Investigations continue, with Senior Investigating Officers assigned to each file.
– The government faces calls to add protections for minority groups, tackle online incitement, and expand outreach to youth.
– Authorities say they will keep meeting with community groups and will share progress on arrests and charges.

For affected families, priorities remain clear:
– Safe streets
– Fair treatment
– The ability to live and work without fear

The message from leaders across government and society is consistent: Hate crimes have no place in Ireland. The President, Justice Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and police have condemned the violence and promised firm action. Ending this wave, officials and community leaders say, will take both strong law enforcement and everyday acts of care.

Additional resources and ongoing coverage:
– VisaVerge.com reports regularly on how safety issues shape migrant decisions in many countries; readers can follow it for coverage of immigration policy and community safety.