Protests Erupt in Dublin Supporting Nikita Hand Following Conor McGregor Case

A significant protest was held in Dublin in support of Nikita Hand, who recently won a civil rape case against Conor McGregor. Organised by ROSA, the demonstration highlighted the need for justice and safety for women in Ireland, amidst criticism of the director of public prosecutions’ decision not to pursue criminal charges against McGregor.

 

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Dublin on Monday to express their unwavering support for Nikita Hand, who recently achieved a landmark civil victory against mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor. Hand accused McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018. Following a Dublin High Court trial, the jury ruled in favor of Hand, ordering McGregor to pay nearly €250,000 (£206,000) in damages.

The protest, organized by the socialist feminist group ROSA, coincided with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Marchers started at Dublin City Hall and made their way to the office of the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to voice frustration over the DPP's prior decision not to pursue a criminal case against McGregor.

Among the speakers at the event was Natasha O’Brien, a renowned advocate and victim of military assault. O’Brien, expressing her admiration for Hand, emphasized that her victory serves as a beacon for other victims, reinforcing that their voices matter. Demonstrators proudly held signs advocating for Hand and highlighting the collective demand for safety and justice for women.

As the crowd marched along the River Liffey, participants articulated their concerns related to the DPP's approach to the case. Protester Donna McCarthy, who traveled from County Kerry, expressed her outrage at the DPP's handling of Hand’s situation: “I think they should have taken her case...we have to fight for those who are not heard.” Another attendee, Deirdre De Feu, underscored the necessity for solidarity, stressing that many women do not feel safe in public or at home.

Survivors' advocate Donna Heaney voiced her disappointment over the DPP’s decision, stating, “The fact that the DPP weren't able to prosecute this is huge...So many victims go through the same thing.” The DPP had told Ms. Hand in 2020 that there was “insufficient evidence” to pursue criminal charges, claiming low prospects for a conviction. Following this setback, Hand called for a reassessment of her case, believing bias might influence the judicial process due to McGregor's celebrity status.

Commenting on the DPP's decision, outgoing Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee affirmed the importance of an independent judicial system in Ireland, stating, “I think that's right...it's important that we respect that independence.”