Afghan asylum seeker who fought Taliban charged with criminal damage at direct provision

An Afghani man who fought the Taliban and is now on hunger strike has appeared in court in connection with causing criminal damage at a direct provision centre in Co Limerick.

Melad Melaadi (33) appeared before Ennis District Court yesterday in connection with criminal damage to glass panels at Mount Trenchard direct provision centre at Foynes, Co Limerick, on Sunday.

The damage coincided with Mr Melaadi reaching the 10- year mark in the direct provision system, which accommodates asylum seekers in a network of centres across the State as their asylum applications are processed.

‘I will do it again’

Garda

Elaine Freemantle

told the court that Mr Melaadi replied: “What I have done I’m really, really happy with and I will do it again to feel better.”

Mr Melaadi also told her: “I’m proud of what I have done and I will do it again to the death.”

Solicitor Daragh Hassett, for Mr Melaadi, told the court: "Mr Melaadi is very frustrated with the direct provision system and is now here 10 years. He feels there is no progress in relation to his status in this country.

“I’m not saying that is a defence in law, but I am offering context to his replies.”

Legal aid

An application for legal aid was granted for Mr Melaadi after Mr Hassett said his client was in receipt of €19 a week.

Garda Insp Tom Kennedy objected to bail as Mr Melaadi had no address to reside at “and he has made serious utterances to Garda Freemantle about what he intends to do”.

Mr Hassett said he accepted that Mr Melaadi was no longer welcome at Mount Trenchard direct provision centre.

However, Mr Melaadi secured bail after garda Insp Kennedy withdrew Garda objections when the defendant obtained an alternative address in Limerick city.

Mr Melaadi has been remanded on bail to reappear before Newcastle West District Court on September 2nd.