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I have tried to encourage the Chinese community to speak up about their experiences of racism for quite some time, but it was really hard to get the conversation going. People had little faith to the Garda system or the Irish media.
The overwhelming support Xuedan has received have finally encouraged people to open up. In my 300+ member WeChat group, people talked about being egged and verbally abused, talked about how to avoid trouble, and talked about how to defend oneself.
This evening one young man from Cork got in touch.
On their way home from a grocery shopping trip, his friend and himself were shouted "Corona virus" multiple times by three young men. They took their phone out to record and asked the guys to repeat themselves.
On their way home from a grocery shopping trip, his friend and himself were shouted "Corona virus" multiple times by three young men. They took their phone out to record and asked the guys to repeat themselves.
The young Irish men shouted "Corona virus" and "BLM" at the Chinese guys. When the Chinese guys stepped forward, they were heavily punched. The young guy who phoned me lost his consciousness after 3 punches. His friend lost a tooth.
After several hours in hospital, they went to report the incident to the Garda. The Garda on duty was professional but frank. Despite knowing who these attackers are, there is probably not enough evidence to press charges, apparently.
The attackers
The Chinese guys was shocked that the Garda discouraged them from pressing charges: They have no money. And apparently self-defence could work against them in court.
That reads a little confusing, let me try again.
The Chinese guys wanted hire a lawyer and press charges. The Garda advised against it because the young men are known to the Garda and they wouldn't have the money to pay for compensation.
The Chinese guys wanted hire a lawyer and press charges. The Garda advised against it because the young men are known to the Garda and they wouldn't have the money to pay for compensation.
Garda said they only take down the information, then they have to wait for DPP direction, the process may take a year and a half.
When the Cork based guys shared their story, people in my group came to the following conclusion:
1. The Garda seemed to be professional
2. The current Irish legal system is not effective in discouraging young people from bullying others
3. The system does not protect victims
1. The Garda seemed to be professional
2. The current Irish legal system is not effective in discouraging young people from bullying others
3. The system does not protect victims
We hope the Irish society can listen to Xuedan's call and be more "motherly" to young bullies, confront them for their own good. This may require legislation changes
