Abul Kalam Azad

Fianna Fáil Cllr says he’d like to see Dublin rioters “shot in the head” and beaten “until they die”

A Fianna Fáil Councillor has triggered uproar after he said that he would “like to see” those behind the Dublin riots “shot in the head” – or beaten by the public “until they die.”

Limerick City West Councillor Abul Kalam Azad Talukder made the remarks during a Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) meeting on Monday, as councillors discussed the angry and violent scenes which spilled across Dublin city centre last Thursday, in the aftermath of a knife attack on three children and their creche worker.

The Limerick Post carried the comments, which have gained significant traction on social media. Cllr Talukder, who is Cathaoirleach of LCCC’s Metropolitan District, told the meeting, in reference to those who rioted, “they should get public punishment.” The local paper reported Cllr Talukder as saying:

“I strongly believe that this is not the face of Ireland. This is just some criminals looting the shops. I don’t think they follow any ideological purpose. They come to the streets and just rob. They should get punishment,” he said.

“Not even an animal does these kind of thing. It is very shameful and they should get public punishment.

“I’d like to see them shot in the head or bring the public in and beat them until they die,” he told the meeting.

The local newspaper reports that Labour Councillor Conor Sheehan, responding, called for an “immediate withdrawal” of the comments, telling Cllr Talukder:  “You can’t call for people to be shot in the council chamber”.

Cllr Talukder replied, “Ok, I can withdraw that. I just put my emotion only. I hope Conor Sheehan understands that is only an expression of my emotion.”

The unequivocal comments are the source of furore tonight, with social media users describing them as “shocking” and “unbelievable.”Abul Kalam Azad Talukder

A number of commentators classed the remarks as “very concerning” coming from an elected representative.

“I had to check to see if this was real,” one person on X said.

Others questioned whether the Council remarks would qualify as “hate speech” under Ireland’s much-talked about Bill. 

The comments received a response from MMA star Conor McGregor, who described the comments as “fully criminal” in a post on X:

The new @fiannafailparty? The religion of this deputy mayor doesn’t interest me, but these comments do, and are fully criminal. Fianna Fáil, your response? @gardainfo also.
Instant deportation. https://t.co/TKvwU257ec

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 29, 2023

The Councillor was first elected to Limerick City West in 2019, an accomplishment he described as a “historic moment” – as he became Limerick’s first ever Muslim Councillor.

Councillor Talukder, who is originally from Bangladesh, made history again back in June for becoming the first Muslim to be elected as Cathaoirleach of Limerick Metropolitan Counci. The businessman and taxi driver was nominated for the role by his party colleague and former Mayor of Limerick City and County Council, Cllr James Collins, along with another party colleague, Cllr Catherine Slattery.

At the time, Mr Talukder thanked the people of Limerick who elected him as a councillor, as someone who came “from a different background, beyond the colour, ethnicity and religion”.

He is yet to release a comment in response to his remarks made on Monday night. Cllr Talukder has been contacted by Gript for comment.

‘I’d like to see them shot in the head’: Councillor’s hard line on Dublin riots. FIANNA Fáil councillor Azad Talukder was asked to withdraw comments at a council meeting this week after saying that he would like to see those involved in last Thursday’s violent Dublin riots “shot in the head”.2 days ago