A crowd of protesters besieged Dáil Éireann, Irish lower house and principal chamber of the Oireachta on Thursday, demanding justice for Congolese Yves Sakila who died as security guards pinned him down over shoplifting allegation.

Mr Sakila died shortly after he was pinned down by some security guard at Henry Street in Dublin, where he was accused of shoplifting, last week Friday.

“We want answers. We want justice. That’s why we are here, because we are totally concerned. We are totally concerned,” the protesters chanted on Thursday.

They added, “We call for accountability and respect for due process. Remember my friends justice denied is justice completely taken away. No cover up and no delay.”

Senator Eileen Flynn briefly came out of the parliament chamber to speak to the protesters.

She said, “His legacy will be remembered in this country. It has to be. I have no doubt people in this country will fight for justice for Yves.”

Garda, Irish national police and security service, promised to investigate the matter and serve justice.

A Garda spokesperson said, “Gardaí are continuing to investigate all of the circumstances surrounding the death of Yves Sakila following an incident on Henry Street, Dublin 1, on Friday, 15 May, shortly after 5pm.”

A viral video captured Mr Sakila struggling beneath some security guard as one of them used his kneel to pin his head to the floor. 

He died shortly after and the development sparked public outrage in Dublin, Ireland.