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Vulnerable immigrants staying in the Balseskin Reception Center on St. Margaret’s Road have been targeted four times in the last six weeks.

In each terrifying incident, it is believed the same gang of young men have hurled missiles, including metal and blocks, from a speeding car at immigrants walking from a nearby bus stop to the center.

The hunt is on to find the despicable culprits who have tormented the refugees to the extent that they afraid to leave the building.

The Balseskin hostel houses newly arrived asylum seekers while their applications are being processed and long-term accommodation centers are identified. It has operated as an asylum reception center since December, 2001.

According to a spokesperson for the Irish Refugee Council (IRC), the attacks have been very upsetting to the immigrants.

“It’s very sad and quite shocking that these vulnerable refugees are being targeted and attacked in this way,” the spokesperson said.

“They are scared but are reluctant to talk because there is a sense of fear that their applications might be affected if they speak out or complain in any way.

“It seems to be the same car and the same people who have been involved in each incident so far.”

The brutal attacks began in January and the most recent incidents occurred in the daylight hours of Friday, February 8. The following day one person was hospitalized and another refugee was hit on the back of his head by a missile believed to be a block or a piece of metal.

Community gardai in Finglas last week held a clinic in the Balseskin center to speak with residents. And flyers seeking information about the attacks have been displayed on the Balseskin bus stop and around the centre. 

Dublin People

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Nster.com