According to the news outlet, hundreds of protesters gathered in the center of the city and headed to St. Stephen's Green Park. While the mob was approaching the park, one of the protesters shot a firecracker at a police officer. Following the incident, the law enforcement reportedly started to disperse the demonstration, using batons.
Three police officers were injured during the clashes, according to the report.
Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar condemned the violence against the police amid the tense situation caused by the pandemic.
"Horrified to see this on our streets. Irish people have spent last year fighting Covid. There is no excuse for violence to Gardai or anyone. This behaviour on Grafton St by a selfish few undermines sacrifices that millions have made in the last 12 months," Varadkar wrote on Twitter.
People are sharing photo and video of the protests on social media.
Crazy footage of police violence during a protest in Dublin. 23 people were detained. #Ireland #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/hrYTW77tbK
— Ali Özkök (@Ozkok_A) February 27, 2021
Video circulating from this afternoons protest in the city centre showing fireworks being fired towards Gardai.
— Robin Schiller (@11SchillRob) February 27, 2021
Understand extra garda resources are being drafted into the area from other parts of Dublin pic.twitter.com/zD1SUslc8E
Protests against lockdown in Ireland
— Arthur (@_Arthubert_) February 27, 2021
Manifestations contre le confinement en Irlande#confinement3 #manifestation #lockdown pic.twitter.com/pdU4mpgLwK
Dublin, Ireland anti Coronavirus lockdown protest. pic.twitter.com/TYTVcdTK4v
— Citizen Canuck (@EMC2_Relativity) February 27, 2021
Police clash with the public during anti Coronavirus lockdown protest in Dublin, Ireland.
— Woodsy Again 3🏴🇬🇧🏴🇬🇧 (@Ronnie62597744) February 27, 2021
Jack Dawkins, Telegram. pic.twitter.com/wzMeq4IseV
Dublin, Ireland anti Coronavirus lockdown protest. pic.twitter.com/BsuzepIvud
— Christine Burgum (@ChristineBurgum) February 27, 2021
So.
— Ireland’s Prodigal Son (@ireland_son) February 27, 2021
When’s the next protest? 😂💪🏻
Great turnout and atmosphere. pic.twitter.com/49GHuTo6m8
On Wednesday, the Irish government extended the COVID-19 lockdown until April 5 due to a surge in new cases in the republic. As of Saturday, Ireland has confirmed 218,980 COVID-19 cases and 4,313 deaths, with 738 cases and 13 deaths recorded over the past 24 hours.
