Protests erupted in Dublin, Ireland, after the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl by a 26-year-old man at a hotel housing asylum seekers, triggering violent clashes with police. The unrest began outside the Citywest Hotel in Saggart, southwest of the city, where around 2,000 people had gathered.

The accused, who appeared in court on Tuesday, was charged with sexual assault and reportedly requested a Romanian interpreter. While police have not confirmed his nationality, local media reported that he is an asylum seeker. The girl, who was under the care of Ireland’s child and family agency, Tusla, had reportedly “absconded” during a city trip before the incident.

What began as a demonstration soon escalated into violence. Protesters launched fireworks and bottles at officers, set

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