DUBLIN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- A man has been charged following a pro-Palestinian protest at Trinity College Dublin during a surprise visit by former U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday, Irish police confirmed Wednesday.
Three men were arrested after the protest. A man in his 50s has since been charged and is due to appear in court, while the other two were released without charge, local media said. Police did not specify the charges.
On Tuesday, Biden, accompanied by his wife Jill Biden, attended a ceremony at which their son, Hunter Biden, received the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Public Discourse from the university's College Historical Society.
The protest escalated as the Biden family left the venue, with some demonstrators moving towards them and throwing objects, including milk, at them, local media reported.
Using a loudspeaker, protesters criticized Biden's visit and his administration's handling of the conflict in Gaza, while demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Shame on you" and "Free Palestine."
A Trinity College Dublin student who identified herself as Dara told Xinhua at the scene that the United States and the European Union should "take concrete action to protect Palestinian civilians." She also expressed hope that European leaders would address the issue at their upcoming meetings in Dublin.
The protest came as Dublin prepared for further demonstrations during two major European meetings starting later this week. Ireland will host the European Political Community summit on Thursday and an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday.
Irish police have launched the largest security operation in the country's history, with heightened security measures and restrictions around the meeting venues. ■
