A man accused of setting fire to a mosque in central Dublin has been remanded in custody after a court heard allegations that he expressed hostility toward Islam and claimed he intended to target the religious site.
The accused, 41-year-old Iranian national Saeid Khosroabadi, appeared before Dublin District Court on charges arising from an alleged arson attack at the Faizan E Madinah Mosque on Talbot Street.
Fire Prompted Major Emergency Response
The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m., when emergency services responded to reports of a fire at the entrance of the mosque.
More than 20 firefighters, four fire engines and Garda officers attended the scene as thick smoke spread through the area. Authorities evacuated the mosque and nearby Department of Education offices on Marlborough Street as a precaution.
No injuries were reported, although the blaze caused significant disruption in Dublin city centre.
Arson Charge Filed Over Mosque Fire
Prosecutors charged Khosroabadi with arson causing criminal damage to the mosque, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
During the hearing, Garda Shane Costello testified that after being cautioned, the accused allegedly responded to the charge by admitting he had attempted to set the mosque on fire.
The allegations remain before the courts, and the accused has not entered a plea to the charge.
Gardaí Outline Alleged Statements During Interviews
The court heard that investigators conducted three interviews with the accused following his arrest.
According to Garda evidence, Khosroabadi allegedly told officers he opposed Islam, said he was proud of his actions and expressed disappointment that the building had not been completely destroyed.
The prosecution further alleged that he made inflammatory remarks about Muslims and indicated he would repeat the attack if released.
These allegations were presented during the bail hearing and have not been tested at trial.
CCTV and Witness Evidence Presented
Investigators told the court that CCTV footage allegedly showed a man pouring what appeared to be an accelerant on the mosque’s entrance before igniting it.
Witnesses reportedly stated that the suspect made threatening remarks about the mosque shortly before the fire started.
The court also heard that several adults and children were inside the building when the blaze began, although everyone was safely evacuated before anyone was injured.
Bail Opposed Over Public Safety Concerns
The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the seriousness of the alleged offence and the risk of further incidents justified keeping the accused in custody.
Garda Costello told the court he believed the defendant could attempt another attack on either the mosque or people attending it if released.
The officer also alleged that the accused had purchased petrol from a nearby filling station before travelling to the mosque.
Accused Represented Himself During Hearing
Khosroabadi appeared without legal representation because of ongoing industrial action by criminal defence solicitors over changes to Ireland’s legal aid payment system.
Solicitor Tracy Horan informed the court that although she had previously represented the accused, she could not act on his behalf because of the dispute.
Following her remarks, dozens of solicitors present in the courtroom left in support of the industrial action.
The accused chose to represent himself and sought bail, while also questioning Garda evidence regarding his claim that he had been intoxicated before the incident.
Case to Proceed to Higher Court
Judge Michele Finan refused bail and remanded Khosroabadi in custody until his next appearance at Cloverhill District Court on July 8.
The judge also declined jurisdiction to deal with the case at District Court level, meaning it will be transferred to the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.
A book of evidence is to be prepared by the Director of Public Prosecutions as the case moves forward through the Irish court system.
