Calls for reform of hate crime laws after anti-Roma protests

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has said there is an “urgent need” to reform laws combating hate crime following anti-Roma protests in Waterford city over the weekend.

The protests have been described as “cowardly, prejudiced and racist”.

A number of families had to be evacuated from their homes in the city after some 100 people gathered outside houses in the Manor Street, William Street and McDermott Road areas of Waterford City on Sunday and Monday evenings chanting “Roma out, out, out”. Windows were smashed and a door kicked in.

A man in his 40s was arrested for public order offences before being released without charge. A file is being prepared for the director of public prosecutions.

Council director Mark Kelly said the "criminal behaviour exhibited by a racist mob" on the streets of Waterford should be "recognised and severely punished as hate crime". Ireland's laws on hate crime and incitement to hatred "urgently need" to be updated.

Major study

The council has commissioned a major study by the hate and hostility research group at the University of Limerick which will include recommendations for a “robust and workable” framework for law reform in the area.

The team undertaking the research is led by Jennifer Schweppe and Dr Amanda Haynes of the University of Limerick.

Ms Schweppe said Ireland does not have a workable legal solution to tackling hate crime or hate speech. "Hate crimes have a ripple effect, spreading fear beyond the direct victim and into the wider community.

“With our NGO partners and the ICCL we are developing a robust solution to tackling hate crime.”

European Network Against Racism Ireland director Shane O'Curry said he was "extremely concerned" at the emergence of "what appears to be organised racist violence" in Waterford.

“In the light of this we welcome the assurances and actions of Waterford gardaí in making the safety of Roma families a priority.

“However, we remain concerned about the reports we have of the use of social media to organise the violence and to facilitate hate speech and incitement to hatred.”