A LOW level anti-immigrant protester has been arrested by Gardai probing the sharing of fake information online.
The Irish Sun can reveal the suspect is accused of posting a video in June 2024 of a man he falsely claimed had exposed himself to children.
But when detectives investigated the allegation they established the claim was “completely false”.
The suspect is accused of distributing “grossly offensive” material with the “intention to cause harm”.
He was arrested at his home in Leinster on Tuesday morning.
During his arrest, officers seized a number of mobile phones and electronic devices.
One source said: “This individual is known for his anti-immigration stance through his use of social media.
“He’s also been using social media in recent months to spout all sorts of nonsense.
“He’s not a major player in the protests but is believed to have attended some of the protests.
“The person who was the target of this false information could have been seriously injured.”
Gardai confirmed an investigation into the false claims was ongoing.
A Garda spokesperson said: “As part of an ongoing investigation into the creation and dissemination of false allegations on social media, Gardai have arrested a male.
‘UNFOUNDED AND FALSE’
“An investigation commenced in June 24 when an image of a man travelling on a bus in Newtownmountkennedy was circulated online, accompanied by claims that he was behaving inappropriately towards a minor.
“As a result of Garda inquiries it was established that the allegation of inappropriate activity towards a minor, or any other person, was unfounded and false.
“The publication of this false allegation on social media caused serious anxiety and concern to the individual depiction in addition to alarm and concerns tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons in the local community.”