A post-mortem examination carried out on a Black man who died after being restrained by security guards in Dublin city centre has returned inconclusive, as calls for justice continue to grow from his family and the Congolese community in Ireland.
Yves Sakila, 35, died following an incident on Henry Street in Dublin on Friday, 15 May, after he was detained by several security personnel over an alleged shoplifting incident.
Disturbing video footage widely circulated on social media shows Mr Sakila being pinned face down on the pavement by multiple guards. One security officer appeared to place a knee on his neck while others restrained his head, legs and body.
Mr Sakila later became unresponsive at the scene and was transported by ambulance to the Mater Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to reports, an autopsy conducted after his death did not establish a definitive cause of death. Further examinations, including toxicology tests, are now expected as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The incident has sparked outrage and grief within Ireland’s Congolese community, with many questioning the level of force used during the restraint.
Speaking to local media, Mr Sakila’s younger brother, Corneille, said the family is demanding accountability.
“We want justice. There are videos and we have seen them all,” he said.
“We were really surprised and shocked to see what happened to our brother in broad daylight, with people watching without helping someone in danger.”
A candlelight vigil was held in Dublin city centre on Tuesday, 19 May, where members of the Congolese community gathered to pray, lay flowers, and pay tribute to Mr Sakila.
Reports indicate that Mr Sakila had lived in Ireland since 2004 and worked as an IT professional. He was also reported to have experienced homelessness in recent years and had been staying at a Salvation Army hostel in Dublin.
In a statement, Garda Síochána confirmed that officers from Store Street Garda Station are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in his 30s following an incident on Henry Street.
Police said security personnel detained Mr Sakila shortly after 5pm in connection with an alleged shoplifting incident at a retail store. During the confrontation, a man in his 80s was reportedly injured while the suspect attempted to flee.
Authorities confirmed the elderly man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
The case has also been referred to Fiosrú under Ireland’s Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, as investigations continue into the events leading to Mr Sakila’s death.
