Demonstrators gather to call for justice amidst concerns about the Irish legal system's handling of sexual assault cases.
Support for Nikita Hand Grows as Marchers Rally in Dublin
Support for Nikita Hand Grows as Marchers Rally in Dublin
Hundreds protest after jury finds MMA fighter Conor McGregor liable for civil rape.
Several hundred supporters took to the streets of Dublin on Monday to express solidarity with Nikita Hand, the woman who recently achieved a civil victory against mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor. A jury in Dublin's High Court had determined that McGregor raped Hand during a hotel encounter in December 2018, resulting in nearly €250,000 (£206,000) in damages being awarded to her.
The protest, organized by ROSA, a socialist feminist movement, coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The demonstrators marched from Dublin’s city hall along the picturesque River Liffey before arriving at the office of the Irish director of public prosecutions (DPP). The gathering was a response to growing concerns about the failure of the DPP to pursue criminal charges against McGregor, following their 2020 decision citing insufficient evidence.
Among the speakers was Natasha O'Brien, a high-profile survivor of assault by an Irish soldier. O'Brien praised Hand for her courage and emphasized the significance of her victory in giving a voice to other victims. “You still have a voice,” she declared.
Participants held placards in support of Hand, articulating a collective demand for justice and systemic changes to better support sexual assault victims within the legal framework. Protesters voiced feelings of insecurity that plague Irish women, with some, like Donna McCarthy from County Kerry, openly criticizing the DPP's handling of Hand's case as "disgraceful." McCarthy urged that the fight continues for all victims who feel unheard.
Deirdre De Feu, another participant, noted the pervasive fear among women regarding their safety in public and private spaces. She called for unity to support all women in need of help. Donna Heaney, from the survivors' group Sisi, echoed these sentiments, lamenting the DPP's inability to pursue a prosecution despite Hand's civil victory.
In response to the outcry, outgoing Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee reaffirmed the importance of the independent justice system, while commending Hand for her bravery in pursuing her case. As the community rallies around Nikita Hand, the protest serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence and the urgent need for reform within the legal system.
