Violent attack on Muslims in Portlaoise
Gardaí were called to the incident in Portlaoise in the early hours of Saturday morning. File image
A VIOLENT attack on members of the Muslim community in Portlaoise is being investigated by gardaí.
Gardaí were called to the Main Street area in the early hours of this morning, after a group of men and women assaulted two people.
The incident was described as a brutal attack by local businessman Naeem Iqbal, who has appealed to people not to engage in such ‘senseless violence’.
Both victims were physically and verbally assaulted during the disturbing confrontation. While their injuries were superficial, they were shocked and shaken by the incident.
According to Mr Iqbal, the attack was not a one-off but a continuation of similar incidents in the past few weeks, which have left members of the town’s Muslim community badly shaken.
Gardaí are continuing to investigate the incident, which happened between 3am and 4am near Main Street.
A board member of Dignity Partnership CLG and former chairman of Laois Sports Partnership, Mr Iqbal said on social media this evening: ‘In the early hours of this morning, between 3am and 4am, two of our dear friends were brutally attacked by a group of men and women near Main Street in Portlaoise.
‘Our hearts are heavy and our community is deeply shaken by this senseless act of violence. No one deserves to be treated in such a way. We are standing with our friends and their families during this painful time and we are grateful to the gardaí for their swift action and continued support.
‘We call on all peaceful and compassionate people across Ireland to come together in unity and reject hatred in every form. Let us not allow fear or division to take root in our communities. Together, we are stronger and together, we will stand for peace, respect, and justice.’
