Thousands Rally for Nikita Hand Following High-Profile McGregor Verdict

The protest highlights broader issues of women's safety and accountability in Ireland.

Several thousand protesters gathered in Dublin to show support for Nikita Hand, the woman who successfully sued Conor McGregor in a civil rape case. On Friday, a jury at the High Court found the mixed martial arts champion guilty of assaulting Ms. Hand at a Dublin hotel in December 2018, ordering him to pay nearly €250,000 (£206,000) in damages. The demonstration, held on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, saw attendees march from city hall to the office of the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Speakers at the protest included Natasha O’Brien, a prominent victim of military assault, who praised Ms. Hand's courage, stating it sends a powerful message to others that their voices matter. The event was organized by ROSA, a socialist feminist group that emphasized the ongoing need to combat violence against women. Protesters carried signs demanding justice and expressed frustration over the DPP's refusal to pursue criminal charges against McGregor due to the perceived "insufficient evidence."

Among those present, Donna McCarthy traveled from County Kerry and voiced outrage at the DPP's handling of the case. She emphasized that women's safety in Ireland remains a critical issue, encouraging solidarity among survivors. Many participants, including members of survivor advocacy groups, echoed that sentiment, insisting that victims must be listened to and believed.

The DPP had previously informed Ms. Hand in 2020 that there had been insufficient evidence for criminal proceedings. Following the civil verdict, Ms. Hand asserted that the legal system's treatment reflected a disparity arising from McGregor's fame. As the nation contemplates the implications of this high-profile case, outgoing Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee maintained the vital importance of an independent judicial process.