This video grab taken from an AFPTV video shows Irish Garda riot police forming a cordon around a burning police car, on Parnell Street in Dublin on November 23, 2023, as people took to the streets following the stabbings earlier in the day. Five people, including three children, were taken to hospital on Thursday, Irish police said, following a suspected stabbing outside a Dublin school.
PETER MURPHY / AFP
The November 2023 attacks were followed by a night of rioting protesting Irish immigration policies.
An Algerian national has denied all charges related to the November 2023 Dublin knife attacks that left three children and an adult woman seriously injured. Riad Bouchaker, 52, speaking through an interpreter, on Monday pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault causing harm, and two other charges.
The presiding judge said the defendant’s prior brain surgery and the head injury he suffered after being taken down by bystanders after the attacks may prolong the trial, which is due to start on Wednesday.
Bouchaker has, however, been deemed fit to stand trial, and “there is no suggestion that he was suffering mental disorder at the time of the incident,” the judge said. Up to 85 witnesses will be called, including eyewitnesses, emergency responders, police, and forensic experts.
The attack shocked Ireland and was followed by what was described as Ireland’s worst night of public disorder in recent memory as rioters clashed with police in response to the stabbing spree.
