National: Far-right online agitators being investigated following Dublin riots

An investigation into the role played by far-right online agitators regarding the riots in Dublin last week has begun.

A team of detectives from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation are currently examining online comments and speech to see if it breaches the prohibition of the Incitement to Hatred Act which states it is an offence to produce and circulate threatening abusive or insulting text or recordings, if designed to stir up hatred.

The offence has a maximum penalty on indictment of two years and/or a fine of up to €12,000.

Detectives have also identified several online posts seeking information on home addresses of Gardaí.

Detectives are currently investigating at least five well-known far right activists and conspiracy theorists that use their online platforms to share their views who have posted threats and calls for violence since Thursday November 23.

Since the stabbing incidents outside the school on Parnell Square in Dublin last week, online activity increased with disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, threats and anti-immigrant rhetoric has been widely circulated.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has said this investigation is one of three strands of inquiry into all the events since last week and separate investigations into the riots and the stabbings are also taking place.