Crowds march in solidarity with ‘incredibly brave’ Nikita Hand – The Irish News

Hundreds of people have held a demonstration in Dublin in “complete solidarity” with Nikita Hand, who won a civil case against MMA fighter Conor McGregor.

Ms Hand, who accused Mr McGregor of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim for damages against him in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday.

She was described as “incredibly brave” and celebrated for “standing up for the survivors” of the attack by those who attended the demonstration in Dublin.

Mr McGregor has said in social media posts that he plans to appeal the decision.

Monday’s protest march was organized by the socialist feminist movement group Rosa to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Participants chanted “stand with Nikita” and “no more fear, no more shame – we reject victim blaming” as they carried signs and banners through the streets of the capital.

The demonstration was bookended by speeches from attendees including organizers Ruth Coppinger, councilor and general election candidate for People Before Profit in Dublin West, and Natasha O’Brien, who became a national figure in activism against violence against women after a soldier had received a suspended sentence. punishment for mistreating her.

Ms. Coppinger told the crowd that Ms. Hand, whom she characterized as “an incredibly brave woman,” watched live video of the event from a distance.

She said Ms. Hand did not attend in person because she needed time to recover after the civil case.

She said the “overwhelming support from the Irish public is absolutely with Nikita”.

On a cold night in Dublin, Ms O’Brien was cheered when she told those gathered that she was “in awe” of Ms Hand’s bravery.

She said Ireland was breathing a collective “sigh of relief” after the jury in the civil case ruled in Ms Hand’s favor in her case against Mr McGregor.

“But for me it was a split second because all these questions came flooding in: Why did Nikita have to fight alone?”

She added: “This really hits home for me, it’s like a kick in the guts.”

She said she cried “so many tears” during the weeks of the trial.

Ms O’Brien said Ms Hand had refused to be ignored.

McGregor was accused of brutally raping and assaulting Ms Hand in a south Dublin hotel in December 2018.

The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel.

Ms Hand was taken in an ambulance to Rotunda Hospital the next day, where she was assessed at the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU).

A paramedic who examined Ms Hand the day after the attack had told the court she had not seen ‘someone so bruised’ for a long time.

Ms Hand broke down several times while giving evidence for almost three days and seeking several breaks.

The jury was told that Ms Hand had to quit her job as a hairdresser and could no longer work because, due to her mental health, she ended her relationship with her partner and had to leave her home months after the incident. in Drimnagh, and her mortgage is now in arrears.

After eight days of evidence and three days of listening to closing speeches and the judge’s indictment, the jury of eight women and four men spent six hours and 10 minutes deliberating before delivering their verdict.

The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euros (£206,714.31).

Ms Hand said outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of abuse to “continue to strive for justice”.

She added: “I hope my story is a reminder that no matter how scared you are, speak up, have a voice and keep fighting for justice.”