Key facts
- Yves Sakila, 35, died after being restrained by security guards in Dublin.
- He was detained on suspicion of shoplifting perfume from Arnotts department store.
- A video shows him being held down by multiple individuals, with one guard's knee on his head.
- He became unresponsive and later died in hospital.
- The Garda Ombudsman is investigating the incident.
- Arnotts is cooperating with the investigation and conducting its own review.
A 35-year-old man, Yves Sakila, died in hospital after being restrained by security guards outside a Dublin shopping center on suspicion of shoplifting. The incident occurred last Friday when Mr. Sakila, a Congolese national who had lived in Ireland for 22 years, was detained by security outside Arnotts department store for allegedly stealing bottles of perfume.
A five-minute video clip circulating online appears to show Mr. Sakila being held down by approximately five individuals, with one security guard seen placing a knee on the back of his head, forcing his face into the ground. During the restraint, he became unresponsive. He was taken to hospital shortly after and pronounced dead.
Gardai briefly handcuffed Mr. Sakila and are investigating the incident. The Garda Ombudsman (Fiosrú) has been referred the case and is examining the circumstances. Arnotts stated it is deeply saddened by Mr. Sakila's death and is cooperating with the investigation, while also conducting its own review with its contracted security firm.
The incident has drawn comparisons to the killing of George Floyd and has sparked concern among minority communities, with chants of 'Justice for Yves' and 'no more violence' heard at a vigil where dozens gathered to lay flowers. Community representatives and organizations, including the Congolese Chamber of Commerce Ireland and the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), have called for a thorough investigation and justice.