Community stands united after violent racist attack in Kilnamanagh

A community group in Tallaght has condemned a racist attack in Kilnamanagh that left an Indian man with serious injuries after being stabbed, beaten and stripped by a group of youths.

Dublin South-West Together (DSWT) described the incident as “cowardly” and said it had left many residents shocked and angry.

The man, who lives and works in the area, was found injured at the Kilnamanagh roundabout by a local woman, Jennifer Murray, who described him as “a gentle man” and said he was “covered in blood from head to toe.”

In a statement, DSWT’s Laura Gaskell said the victim was later targeted by false accusations online in an apparent attempt to justify the attack.

“This cowardly racist attack has shocked Tallaght,” she said.

“People are disgusted that this hatred is trying to take root on our streets.

“We want to feel safe in our neighbourhoods, whether we were born in Tallaght or moved here.”

Ms Gaskell said the assault, and others in the area, are part of a wider pattern driven by online racism and anti-migrant rhetoric.

“This and other recent attacks are directly linked to the spreading of misinformation and racist hate online, and campaigns against migrant asylum seekers and workers that have been designed to stoke up violence,” she said.

DSWT is organising a community stand-out at Kilnamanagh roundabout on this coming Friday at 6.30pm, at the spot where the victim was found.

The group says the event will demonstrate solidarity with the victim, his neighbours and the wider Tallaght community.

“There is real anger locally. People across Tallaght have expressed disgust at the attack and want to show the gangs carrying out these brutal stabbings that enough is enough,” Ms Gaskell said.

“We will stand together and show those who carry out attacks and those who spread racist lies and fear that Tallaght does not want their hate.”