Vigil to be held for Croatian man who died after 'racist attack' in Clondalkin

A vigil will be taking place this week in memory of Josip Štrok, who died after an assault in Clondalkin.

Josip Štrok, 31, died in Tallaght Hospital on April 3 after being assaulted in Clondalkin on Saturday, March 30.

Josip, a Croatian man, was with his friend David Družinec, when the two men were told to “speak English” before being assaulted.

David Družinec said he was knocked out unconscious during the assault by four men and woke up in hospital to the tragic news that his friend had died.

The local community in Clondalkin will hold a candlelight vigil this Friday at 6.30pm on Grange Road (Main Green) to show support to Josip’s family and friends.

Dublin Communities Against Racism (DCAR) condemned the assault and said Josip died as a result of a “racist attack”.

The group said the assault is “directly related to rhetoric being used by far-right and anti-immigrant campaigners”. 

People Before Profit, who will be attending the vigil, called the assault a "disgusting act of barbarism that does not represent the multicultural community in Clondalkin."

Josip's father, Nedeljko, has travelled to Ireland to organise the repatriation of his son's remains.

A fundraiser, which has now been closed, was organised by Ante Penava to help the family with the repatriation.

No arrests have been made so far in relation to the assault. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

Gardaí are urging passengers who travelled on the number 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday, 30 March, between 9pm and 10pm to make contact with them.

They are especially appealing to those who disembarked at the bus stop on St Cuthbert’s Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road.

They are also seeking information from anyone who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9.30pm and 10.15pm, or in the Grange View Way area between 10pm and 10.30pm.

Gardai has also appealed for anyone who may have camera footage, including dash cam, of these areas to provide this footage to gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.