Visegrád 24(@visegrad24):Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has refused to change a law that prevents the media from identifying someone as an asylum seeker, even if that person has been charged with or convicted of a serious crime. O'Callaghan defended Section 26 of the International Protection Act, saying he and his department are "legally obliged" to keep the identities of asylum applicants confidential because revealing their status could endanger relatives or friends in their country of origin. Under Irish law, journalists cannot publish information that would identify someone as an asylum applicant without that person's consent.

2026.07.24 13:59

Ireland's Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has refused to change a law that prevents the media from identifying someone as an asylum seeker, even if that person has been charged with or convicted of a serious crime. O'Callaghan defended Section 26 of the International Protection Act, saying he and his department are "legally obliged" to keep the identities of asylum applicants confidential because revealing their status could endanger relatives or friends in their country of origin. Under Irish law, journalists cannot publish information that would identify someone as an asylum applicant without that person's consent.