Status: 01/15/2022 02:57 am
The killing of a 23-year-old teacher in broad daylight in a small town in Ireland has sparked horror across the island. Tens of thousands set a sign at vigils – that violence against women must finally come to an end.
Tens of thousands of people have attended nearly 100 vigils in several cities across Ireland and the UK region of Northern Ireland following the killing of a young woman. In Tullamore, where the 23-year-old’s body was found, shops and cafes closed earlier than usual on Friday. Numerous mourners gathered in a park in the city, a good 80 kilometers west of Dublin.
Prime Minister Micheal Martin attended a commemoration in the Irish capital. The murder of the teacher – committed in broad daylight – united the country “in solidarity and disgust,” said Martin. A minute’s silence was held in front of Parliament.
The police say they have “identified a person of interest in the case.” Now the authorities are waiting to question the man, who is still receiving medical treatment for a number of injuries. An arrested 40-year-old man had previously been released, the media reported.
“epidemic of violence against women”
The crime has sparked a new debate about women’s safety on the island of Ireland. The 23-year-old was killed on Wednesday afternoon while jogging along a canal – a popular route for cyclists and runners. Police believe she’s an accidental victim.
“There is an epidemic of violence against women. It’s been like this for thousands of years,” said Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. “We as men have a special responsibility to understand the factors behind violence against women and to teach our boys and teenagers what is right and wrong.”
President Michael D. Higgins called on the people to build a “kinder, more compassionate and more empathetic society”.