Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge dismisses charge against Russian embassy protestor

Date
2025-10-10

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a Tallaght District Court hearing on 10 October 2025, Judge Áine Shannon dismissed a Section 6 Public Order charge against 64‑year‑old Míceál MacGiobúin of Belmont Park, Donnybrook. MacGiobúin had pleaded not guilty to allegations that he used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to cause a breach of the peace during a protest outside the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road, Rathgar, on 11 October 2024. Garda Sophie Gummerson testified that she saw MacGiobúin walking near the embassy carrying a placard and shouting slogans such as "Nazi war criminal – get out of Ireland and get out of Ukraine" and "Putin will put you in his meat mincer" towards embassy employee Igor Koliara, who reported feeling intimidated. MacGiobúin, who represented himself, claimed his protest was passionate but peaceful and denied any threatening intent. CCTV footage reviewed by the judge showed MacGiobúin walking at a steady pace, not running or lunging.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge dismisses charge against Russian embassy protestor. Charges or matters: a charge under Section 6 of the Public Order Act, which alleged he used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to cause a breach of the peace. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

11 October Incident
2025-10-10 Publication

Case subjects

Míceál MacGiobúin

Defendant

Charges: a charge under Section 6 of the Public Order Act, which alleged he used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to cause a breach of the peace (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty