Special Rapporteur Demands Urgent Independent Probe into Yves Sakila's Death

Ebun Joseph, Special Rapporteur on racism and equality, has called for an urgent independent investigation into the death of Yves Sakila. In a letter to the Minister for Justice on Thursday morning, Joseph expressed profound shock and grave concern regarding Sakila's death in Dublin last Friday.

Sakila, a Congolese man in his mid-30s, was suspected of shoplifting from Arnotts and pursued by security personnel on Henry Street shortly after 5pm. He knocked an elderly man to the ground while fleeing. Gardaí arrived to find Sakila restrained by security guards and the injured pensioner nearby. Gardaí handcuffed Sakila to control the situation, but he became unwell almost immediately. Handcuffs were removed, CPR was performed, and he was taken to Mater Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Video footage of Sakila being restrained face down by a group, including security personnel, has circulated, causing distress, fear, and outrage, particularly among black and minority ethnic communities concerned about racial profiling and excessive force. While Gardaí and Fiosrú (Office of the Police Ombudsman) are investigating, Joseph insists on a demonstrably independent, transparent, impartial, and thorough inquiry. She highlighted concerns about whether race, implicit bias, disproportionate force, or systemic inequalities played a role.

Joseph emphasized that Sakila's family deserves truth, accountability, and justice, and the Irish public needs confidence in investigations involving force or restraint. The letter, supported by an Advisory Committee including city councillor Hazel Chu, also questioned the State’s commitments under the National Action Plan Against Racism.