Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge orders inquiry into detention of Chilean student in Mountjoy

Date
2020-07-13
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A High Court judge has ordered an inquiry into the detention of a 33-year-old Chilean student held in the Dochas Centre at Mountjoy Prison. Ms Estefany Carolina Alquinta Gonzalez arrived in Dublin on 2 July to begin an English language course at a Dublin school. She was refused entry at the airport on grounds that she posed a threat to the State's fundamental policy interests, and was subsequently placed in solitary confinement. Ms Gonzalez, represented by Rosario Boyle SC and Aoife McMahon BL, denies posing any security or public policy risk. Evidence presented to Mr Justice Charles Meenan indicated she had pre-arrival contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs regarding entry requirements. Ms Gonzalez claims she held all required documentation, including her passport, proof of funds, and accommodation details in County Roscommon. The judge directed the inquiry under Article 40 of the Constitution on Monday and adjourned the matter to Tuesday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge orders inquiry into detention of Chilean student in Mountjoy. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: He said Ms Gonzalez had a conversation with an official in that department as to whether she would be allowed enter Ireland in order to complete her course, even though her courses were to be delivered online. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Facility
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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