Footage has emerged online of an anti-racism activist being assaulted in Tramore, Co. Waterford. The activist was confronting a number of anti-lockdown protestors when he was attacked by a number of men.
The protestors were there to publicise Gemma O’Doherty’s political party, Anti-Corruption Ireland (ACI). They were also handing out leaflets which promote conspiracy theories related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Violence
In the video which was shared online, an anti-racism activist is seen confronting the protestors. He then attempted to removed one of their banners. And it was then that he was attacked by a man wearing a “Make Ireland Holy Again” hat, who threw him to the ground and placed him in a headlock.
A number of other men joined the melee and eventually the sides were broken apart.
A spokesperson for the gardaí said it is “currently investigating this incident”. But they told The Beacon that as a result, they “cannot comment on an active investigation”.
A country-wide tour
The incident comes after a number of anti-lockdown protests have been held around the country by O’Doherty and her supporters in recent weeks. In Athlone, Arklow, and Dundalk they were met by counter-protestors.
O’Doherty and John Waters recently lost their High Court challenge against the government’s COVID-19 lockdown laws. The presiding judge ruled that the pair are responsible for the state’s costs for the case which could run into the high thousands.
Irish anti-lockdown groups have been pushing conspiracy theories related to the virus across social media. In some cases it’s claimed that the virus has been engineered in order “manipulate” the population.
This article was updated on 11 June to include a statement received from the gardaí regarding the attack.
Featured image via Geograph – Colin Park
