Chinese embassy was beaten for wearing a mask: the British side is requested to protect the safety and rights of Chinese citizens!

Under the epidemic, four British Chinese students in the UK went out to buy food while wearing masks, but were provoked and beaten by local youths. The incident quickly attracted attention. What should I do if I encounter racial discrimination overseas? Embassies and consulates abroad, and Chinese lawyers all said: We must say "No" to discrimination!

Chinese students face provocation by wearing masks

Around 8 pm on March 17, near Vincent, a student apartment at the University of Southampton in the UK, four Chinese students wore masks to go out to buy dinner. On the way back, they were provoked by a number of local teenagers. Later, the group followed them and rushed in. The apartment was damaged and one of the female students, Hannah, was beaten.

Hannah posted her experience of being beaten on Weibo. (Network screenshot)

Hannah and another client, Jacob, told the British "Wenwen Weekly" about the incident.

That night, four Chinese students wore masks to go out to buy meals. On the way back, they encountered a few local youths who looked fifteen or sixteen. One of the boys borrowed a mask from the foreign students. Jacob told him that there were no more masks, and the boy intentionally coughed at Jacob.

Since then, these youngsters have been following international students and continue to abuse them.

Photos of the apartment's front desk after it was damaged by several British teenagers. (Source: Courtesy of Huawen School Jacob)

Jacob was very angry and asked for an apology. Instead of apologizing, the other party intensified and followed the students to the door of the apartment. One of them smashed the wooden signboard in the apartment, and the front desk was a mess.

In the apartment, several people forced Hannah to the corner and punched and kicked her. Some Chinese students came to support the news, and there was a physical conflict between the two sides.

Eventually, the police arrived to calm the storm.

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Statement on the Battering of Chinese Students at the University of Southampton

Embassy in the UK: Requires the British side to protect the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in the UK

On March 24, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom issued a statement on the assault on Chinese students at the University of Southampton.

The statement pointed out that the Chinese students who traveled wearing masks for epidemic prevention purposes were beaten for no reason, which is outrageous. The Chinese embassy in the United Kingdom requires the British government and police to punish the perpetrators in accordance with their international obligations and national laws. Effectively protect the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens in the UK.

The statement also stated that the perpetrators' conduct violated the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and violated British laws prohibiting racial discrimination and hate crimes. The Chinese embassy in Britain resolutely opposed it and strongly condemned it.

In addition, the Chinese Embassy in the UK also reminds Chinese citizens in the UK to abide by the UK government ’s epidemic prevention regulations and requirements to reduce unnecessary travel. When going out, take good protection to ensure safety.

With the rapid spread of the new crown pneumonia epidemic, especially since politicians in some countries and the media have stigmatized China through the epidemic, Xiaoqiao (ID: qiaowangzhongguo) has noticed that there have been many discriminations, provocations and even in the United States, Britain, Australia and other countries The personal attacks on Chinese citizens and Asian groups have had a bad impact.

Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne pays close attention to attacks on international students

According to the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, on March 19, two Chinese students at the University of Tasmania suffered discriminatory abuses on the streets related to the new crown pneumonia epidemic, and one of them was beaten. At the same time, epidemic-related insults, hatreds, and exclusions occurred in various parts of Australia.

The New York Times reported on the 24th that the example of Fan Jiayang, a writer for The New Yorker. Fan Jiayang introduced that when she went out to throw garbage last week, a passing man scolded her because she was Chinese.

In addition to discrimination, there are physical attacks. In the San Fernando Valley, California, a 16-year-old Asian boy was attacked at school, and bullies accused him of having a new crown virus. He was taken to the emergency room for a concussion.

Be sure to say "no" to discrimination!

Affected by the new crown pneumonia epidemic, many overseas Chinese and overseas students have been physically attacked, others have been attacked by language, and even rejected at work. How should we deal with similar incidents?

In response to discrimination, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom and the Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne issued safety tips.

Remind overseas Chinese citizens to further enhance their awareness of prevention, to avoid verbal and physical conflicts, and to stay calm and respond appropriately in the event of malicious provocations. In emergency situations, you can call the Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad for insurance.

In case of conflict, call the police in time or ask someone nearby to assist the police, while retaining the contact information and relevant audio and video evidence of the witness at the scene of the good incident. Report the relevant situation to the institution where the person such as school or unit is located in time for help. If necessary, you can consult a professional legal person for advice.

Zhu Xiaojiu, President of the British-Chinese Lawyers Association, believes that many of the racial discrimination against overseas Chinese and overseas students is caused by the new crown virus. It is difficult for individuals to control the attitude of others. However, they can conduct positive publicity. Effectively control the spread of new coronary pneumonia disease and speed up the treatment of the sick. Let them know how much personal sacrifices have been made by Chinese individuals and companies, and how much corporate losses have been sustained in order to achieve efficient isolation and control of new coronary pneumonia. Spread. "

Zhu Xiaojiu emphasized, "Don't think that racial discrimination is a trivial matter. Chinese people must have the courage to defend their rights. Not only should the police report this, but the sooner the better, the better."

Sources: Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom, China News Weekly, China News Network, Chinese Consulate General in Melbourne, China Overseas Website