Judge Anthony Halpin
Source: Irish Times
A judge has caused outrage after saying he thinks “Muslims feel they can actually beat their wives” during the trial of a Somali man accused of burglary at his former wife’s house.
Judge Anthony Halpin’s comments made before a packed courtroom yesterday caused a government minister and the Immigrant Council of Ireland to say he needs to immediately clarify or withdraw the remark made during a criminal case.
The judge made the statement just days after telling Tallaght Court he was to be reassigned elsewhere, saying he “may have stepped on some toes”.
Leading Muslim cleric, Dr Taufiq Al Sattar – who lost his wife and three children in a house fire in the UK last year – rejected the judge’s comments.
Junior minister Joe Costello said “on the surface it sounds insulting and gratuitous and he should immediately clarify the remarks”.
Muslim Ireland 