Six Arrested in London for Assaulting Iranian Refugee
British police interrogated six individuals on Sunday in connection with the assault of an Iranian refugee who suffered a skull fracture.
According to Reuters news agency, British police have arrested four boys and two girls over the age of 20 on suspicion of assaulting a 17-year-old Iranian refugee.
British police say eight young people approached the Iranian refugee at night while he was standing at a bus station in London.
The report adds that when these eight individuals learned that the boy was an Iranian refugee, they chased him down the street and beat him.
According to police, when the sound of police sirens was heard and people intervened, the eight individuals stopped beating the Iranian boy.
However, residents of the Croydon neighborhood in London told the Associated Press that those beating the boy were far more than eight people, and many were watching.
British police say the assault on the boy is considered a hate crime.
Police are currently investigating witnesses to the incident and have asked the public to come forward with any information they may have to the relevant authorities.
The Associated Press writes that following the vote for Britain’s exit from the European Union, xenophobia in Britain has increased.
The incident has prompted a widespread reaction in Britain. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, announced on Sunday, April 2, “Hate crimes have no place in London.”
The Mayor of London added: “London is a diverse and extraordinary city. We not only accept our differences but also cherish them.”
Sadiq Khan emphasized: “Those who sow seeds of hatred cannot divide our communities. As always, we will show zero tolerance for hate crimes.”
