Anti-Immigrant Protests Continue in Ireland; Conflict in the streets; Anti-immigrants set fire to refugee tents and furniture

Dublin: Anti-immigration protests continue in Dublin. Anti-immigrant demonstrations have been taking place in the streets for days to protest the granting of asylum to refugees.

This is shocking footage of a group of people tearing down a 'tent city' set up in support of asylum seekers on Friday night. Footage posted online shows youths vandalizing a camp housing asylum seekers before setting it on fire. Tensions were high in the area after dozens of tents were set up outside the International Protection Office on Mount Street. On Friday night, protesters gathered to protest the presence of refugees and were confronted by counter-protesters - with gardaí keeping both sides at bay.

Many refugees and activists live in a small cul-de-sac next to a vacant apartment building called 'Tent City' on nearby Sandwith Street. 

Refugee support groups also took to the streets, fueling the conflict. The anti-immigrants then set fire to the makeshift tents and furniture the refugees were living in. Protesters then marched to the International Protection Office on Mount Street in the city centre.

Another group also came forward in support of the refugees. The conflict that ensued was resolved with the intervention of gardaí. Since January 24, the government had suspended the accommodation of childless refugee families due to lack of accommodation facilities. However, 582 more refugees arrived here last week.

At times the protest went too far. It turned violent and there were clashes with gardaí. Refugees are also mistreated by protesters. This resulted in clashes with the Gardaí everywhere. A 30-year-old man was arrested yesterday in connection with the incident. He was later released and will appear at Dublin District Court later this month.

Meanwhile, an organization called the Revolutionary Housing League found alternative housing for the camp residents. Accommodation is in a long vacant building with all facilities including heating, electricity, water and furniture.

This is without the permission of the government. The group accuses the government of creating an opportunity to divide communities over the housing crisis and immigration-related issues. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar strongly condemned the incidents of violence against refugees.

Justice Minister Simon Harris said the incident was "appalling and unacceptable". The minister also tweeted that the right to protest should not be misconstrued as endangering or threatening anyone.

The Department of Housing said that the department is utilizing all accommodation facilities, including renovated buildings and tents, to address the shortage of accommodation facilities. So far this year, 5,300 beds have been used for international protection applicants and 5,000 beds for Ukrainian refugees. The department also explained that it is working to ensure more accommodation.

The Irish Refugee Council strongly condemned the violence. According to the council, around 400 refugees are without accommodation. The council demanded that the government take action to prevent violence against refugees.

Absolutely horrific and unacceptable scenes took place in Sandwith Street last night. Everyone in this country has a right to be safe. The right to protest is never the right to be threatened or intimidated. The Prime Minister and Justice Minister Simon Harris warned the attackers. Sinn Féin TD Eoin O'Broin and People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also protested the incident. Condemning the violence, she said it was out of character for popular protests. Murphy tweeted that all these problems are the government's fault. TD warned not to put asylum seekers at risk.

Various Garda units, including the Public Order Unit, are camping at the scene. Refugee tents have been set up outside the office and on nearby streets since last March. There have also been protests against people camping at the back of the vacant St Andrews Court flats between Pearse Street and Holles Street.