Ten key people under investigation for their role in organising Dublin riots
A double decker bus and a car are set alight on the edge of O'Connell Bridge last Thursday. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
Up to 10 key people are under investigation by gardaí for their role in organising the Dublin riots last Thursday.
Specialists in the Garda cybercrime unit are looking at social media posts, WhatsApp audio, and other communication messages to see if there is evidence to bring further charges.
One of the charges includes offences under section two of the Prohibition of the Incitement to Hatred Act.
The act includes written material, words, behaviour, visual images, or sounds, that are threatening, abusive or insulting and are intended or, having regard to all the circumstances, are likely to stir up hatred.
The offence carries a sentence of up to two years in prison and/or a fine of up to €12,000.
CCTV footage, social media and electronic communication will form a key role in building a case against the organisers of the riots.
The investigation is being overseen by the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
More than 30 people have already been charged with a range of public order charges in the courts.
They appeared in court on Friday at Dublin District Court on a range of public order and theft charges in relation to the Dublin city centre disturbances on Thursday evening.
The items allegedly stolen included clothing, cigarettes, a bottle of vodka and cash.
At least three men faced charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
However, this further probe requires a more complex and lengthy investigation, but senior gardaí are said to be confident their files will be brought to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
On Tuesday, the reported gardaí are also reviewing UFC star Conor McGregor’s posts.
Last Thursday’s riots were organised in the wake of a stabbing at a Dublin school where three children and a creche worker were injured.
A five-year-old girl remains in a critical condition in hospital following the incident while a creche worker, Leanne Flynn, who is in her 30s, is in a serious but stable condition.
