Irish authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into five-time UFC champion Conor McGregor for “online hate speech.”
Over the weekend, the MMA fighter expressed anger at Ireland’s immigration policies after a knife attack wounded three children in Dublin. Protesters descended on the city center after police apprehended a suspect, leading to clashes with riot police, burnt vehicles and looted storefronts.
Speaking to reporters the day after the carnage, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar called the rioters “criminals,” trying to undermine “our society and the rule of law.”
McGregor expressed frustration with the rioters as well, but lay most of the blame at the government’s feet. McGregor has previously criticized the government for its immigration policies, particularly following the murder of teacher Ashling Murphy by a Slovakian laborer.
Ireland’s national police service, Garda Síochána, are now investigating McGregor’s tweets.
As Mediaite reports:
Following Thursday’s knife attack, which saw three children and two adults injured, McGregor was vocal in his criticism of the government and the Garda leadership’s response and, particularly, of Garda commissioner Drew Harris.
McGregor also praised the migrant individuals who stepped in to stop the attack.
The police investigation follows a post by Paul Golding, leader of far right group Britain First, which called for McGregor to lead a “freedom march,” saying “Ireland is full” and “Ireland belongs to the Irish.” British right-wing figures like Tommy Robinson have also praised McGregor’s commentary.
Responding to Golding, however, McGregor distanced himself from the riots, condemning the violence and looting while recognising the public’s frustrations. He expressed his commitment to efforts for change in Ireland.
Despite the ongoing investigation, McGregor wasted no time criticizing Prime Minister’s Varadkar’s remarks about the release of a nine-year-old girl held captive by Hamas.
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