An individual of Palestinian origin insisting he is a former political detainee, who was subjected to severe torment in an Israeli penitentiary, has filed a lawsuit against the State due to his lack of housing after applying for international protection in Ireland. The identity of this person cannot be disclosed owing to legal constraints and he arrived in Ireland in April to request international protection.
Allegedly, he was left without sufficient housing following his arrival and was forced to sleep outdoors in a tent or other people’s homes. Legal proceedings against the Minister for Equality and Integration, Ireland, and the Attorney General have been initiated by the man. He requests a ruling mandating the Minister to provide accommodation and a vulnerability assessment.
Moreover, he is looking for a range of declarations from the court, asserting that the Minister violated his EU rights to international protection. The court previously allowed the man to launch his objection, and Justice Niamh Hyland presided over a brief discussion.
David Conlan Smyth SC, representing the State and the Minister, informed the court they had extended a settlement offer to the man’s legal team and were awaiting a response. The claimant’s attorneys revealed that he is currently unwell and in need of medical attention, requesting a September court hearing, which was granted by the Judge.
The complainant, represented by Keivon Sotoodeh BL, has declared he was retained in an Israeli prison for seven years, during which he experienced brutal and psychological mistreatment. He insists he was severely beaten, forced to endure freezing winter temperatures clad only in his underwear, and terrorised by German Shepard attack dogs.
He further alleges that he now suffers from memory loss and cognitive impairment as a result of this treatment. On top of that, he recounts that after his release, he was assaulted and stabbed by armed Israeli settlers at his home. A drone strike subsequently destroyed this home. Threats against one of his children and the escalating Gaza conflict forced his family into exile in neighboring Jordan.
Upon reaching Ireland, he claims to have been denied sufficient housing, and at times, has resorted to street tents for shelter.