The intense assault of a Croatian man which led to his dying in Clondalkin, Co Dublin, was “disgusting, barbaric and backwards”, a vigil has heard.
Greater than 100 individuals attended the vigil on Grange View Highway, near the place Josip Strok was discovered on March thirtieth after being critically assaulted.
The 39-year-old carpenter, who lived in Dublin metropolis centre, suffered critical head accidents and was on life help for a number of days earlier than being pronounced lifeless on April third.
Shortly earlier than the vigil started, three gardaí arrived handy out flyers in search of help in relation to the assault.
Whereas no arrests have been made, gardaí at the moment are in search of the help of two people particularly who have been within the space and could possibly present info.
“I’m in shock, I’ve been crying for just a few days now since I heard the information,” stated Roberta Terzic, including: “I’ve no phrases to clarify how I really feel.”
Ms Terzic left Croatia 9 years in the past to reside in Eire and described the assault and dying of Mr Strok as “devastating”.
“I’m in Dublin since 2015 and I’ve by no means felt the way in which I really feel now. That situation modified the entire perspective in regards to the surroundings that I reside in,” she stated, including that she now fears for her security.
“I all the time felt like I belonged right here however now I don’t really feel like I’m welcome any extra,” she stated.
Jelena Fundamental from Cut up has lived in Eire for six years and echoed Ms Terzic, including that she is “disgusted” by the assault.
“I don’t need to reside in worry on the whole however since this occurred, I’m a bit bit shook,” she stated.
The ladies met on Friday for the primary time and have been simply two of dozens of Croatians on the vigil, all visibly in grief and shock.
“Inside the Croatian neighborhood it was actually a giant blow to listen to that someone could be attacked in such a savage approach,” stated Mario, including: “I don’t really feel protected any extra.”
The vigil was organised by members of Clondalkin for All, with member Darragh Adelaide describing the assault as “disgusting, barbaric and backwards”.
“Clondalkin has all the time been a welcoming neighborhood, my dad got here right here from Nigeria 27 years in the past and we’ve lived fortunately right here.
“You may see a variety of faces right here, individuals come from all types of backgrounds, that’s what Clondalkin has all the time been about,” he stated.
Within the background, different gardaí have been finishing up door-to-door enquiries and handing out flyers to individuals dwelling within the property, whereas youngsters cycled and performed additional afield.
A number of individuals who lived within the rapid space the place Mr Strok was discovered attended, with one girl stressing that they’d executed all they may to assist him.
The lady who carried out CPR on Mr Strok wished to stay nameless however needed his household to know that they’d tried to avoid wasting his life.
The vigil heard that Mr Strok was a “variety” man whose “final act” was saving 4 lives by way of organ donation.
“There’s a really sombre temper, clearly, a younger man has misplaced his life tragically,” stated native impartial councillor Francis Timmons.
Mr Timmons, together with different locals on the vigil, consider the assault was motivated by hatred, pointing to a current interview with Mr Strok’s pal.
Mr Strok’s pal David Druzinec, a fellow Croatian, was additionally critically assaulted and lately informed Jutarnji, a Croatian information web site, that the 2 buddies have been informed to talk English earlier than they have been attacked.
The 2 buddies then received on a bus, with Mr Druzinec saying the bus was adopted by the attackers who have been in a automotive and as soon as they have been strolling once more, they have been attacked unexpectedly from behind.
“They hit me first with one thing, I don’t know if was it a rod or a bat, I requested the police the main points they noticed on the video, which they supposedly have,” he stated including that he tried to stand up to assist his pal however was focused once more “even tougher”.
The very last thing he remembers is waking up in Tallaght College Hospital.
Shortly earlier than the vigil ended, flowers and candles have been positioned the place Mr Strok was discovered – on the highway outdoors a quaint household dwelling.
A father alongside his daughter stood outdoors their entrance door mere ft away from the place Mr Strok was discovered, watching as greater than 100 individuals congregated in silence.
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