Man Convicted in Attempted Murder of Three Children Sparks Dublin Riots

On 23 November 2023, a 52‑year‑old man named Riad Bouchaker stabbed three children outside a Dublin school, injuring one severely. He also assaulted a crèche worker, two more children and a teenager.

The Central Criminal Court concluded that the victim, a five‑year‑old girl, has permanent brain damage after the stabbing. Bouchaker denied all eight charges but was found guilty on each by a jury after a six‑hour deliberation.

Judge Tony Hunt thanked the jury for their hard work and declared the verdict "entirely in line with the evidence". His sentencing is set for 12 October, and Bouchaker will remain in custody until then.

The attack prompted the most significant riot in Irish state history. Within hours, rioters destroyed eleven police vehicles, damaged or looted thirteen shops, and wrecked three buses and a tram. Police officers suffered injuries during three hours of sustained violence.

Police chief Drew Harris blamed the unrest on a "lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far‑right ideology". The chaos highlighted the vulnerability of the city’s public transport and emergency services.

Authorities urge calm and have announced increased police presence as they investigate the motive behind the attack and seek to restore order.