Conor McGregor under investigation for ‘alleged incitement’ following riots

The Irish Mirror has reported sports star Conor McGregor is under garda investigation for alleged incitement to hatred surrounding the riots that took place in Dublin last week. 

The paper reports that McGregor’s postings on social media are now part of a wider official criminal probe in connection to the riots.

McGregor has not been spoken to by gardai as part of the proceedings.

McGregor tweeted “Ireland, we are at war,” and “do not let Irish property be taken over unannounced,” the day before the riots, and tweeted “you reap what you sow,” while the riots were ongoing on Thursday evening.

Embattled Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told Dublin City Council’s Joint Policing Committee yesterday afternoon that there are now three live investigations following last Thursday’s events.

The investigations concern the stabbing on Parnell Square, the subsequent riots, and another on social media commentary suspected of inciting hate.

Harris dismissed claims that gardaí were “caught out” during the riots, and noted the increase in public order policing has increased in Dublin in recent weeks.

The role of social media platforms such as Twitter and TikTok have come under the spotlight in the aftermath of the riots.

Green Party MEP Ciáran Cuffe said “people in positions of power and privilege such as Conor McGregor should reflect on how their social media postings may have contributed to what happened on Dublin’s streets.”

Fianna Fáil Senator Mary Fitzpatrick said that social media companies that “facilitated incitement to violence” must be held accountable for their roles in the incident.

“The power of these platforms to influence and promote public discord cannot be ignored.”

“It is imperative that the platform operators take responsibility for their role in the events that transpired,” she said.