Longford District Court has heard a special judge is to be appointed to hear the case of six men charged with an alleged assault at a mosque in Longford in August 2015.

The court heard that a process of mediation has failed to resolve issues between two groups and the alleged victim feels very aggrieved and wishes to have his day in court.

Six men, a father and his two sons together with three brothers,

with various addresses in Edgeworthstown, previously appeared in court in connection with an alleged assault at the Longford Islamic centre in Longford town in August 2015.

At a previous court sitting, a mediator, Liam Faughnan, was appointed by the court to try and resolve the dispute between the injured party and the accused.

However, giving evidence today, Mr Faughnan explained that there are two issues in dispute- the alleged assault itself, and the manner in how the mosque is run.

Mr. Faughnan claimed that while both parties were polite, he was unable to get a compromise and that the victim feels very aggrieved.

He also explained to the court that there is a belief in the traditional Muslim community, that with any alleged crime, there must be an expectation of punishment.

Garda Michael Belton also told the court he believes there is still tension in the mosque and anytime that Gardai have attended the mosque to do a presentation in recent times they have witnessed aggression between a small minority of Muslims.

Judge Seamus Hughes thanked the mediator for his work and then explained that he will be seeking to appoint a special judge from outside of the district to hear the case on May 19th as he does not wish to proceed with the matter personally.

It’s expected the case may take two days to hear and the defendants were remanded on continuing bail.