Viral video of two Syrian refugee students in a UK school being bullied by a White boy have caused global outcry forcing the administration to act on the disturbing development.
In the viral video, one 15-year-old Syrian boy, who had fled his home town of Homs in Syria two years ago, is being seen being head-butted by a 16-year-old White boy. The Syrian boy falls on the ground before his racist tormentor pours water on him. The incident reportedly took place two months ago at Almondbury school in Huddersfield in England.
In another video, the victim’s sister too is being seen pushed and mocked by a group of pupils at the school, forcing the girl to fall on the ground. The boy said that he was being routinely bullied at the school and he had brought this to the attention of the school administration, but no action was taken.
Although the incident took place two months ago, the video went viral across the world after someone posted it of Facebook. These two gruesome acts of bullying were filmed by a friend of the racist boy in the video. Faced with global outrage, the local police intervened and have questioned the bully boy.
Superintendent Steve Dodds, of West Yorkshire Police Kirklees District, was quoted by Evening Standard as saying, “We are investigating a report of a racially-aggravated assault of a 15-year-old boy which occurred on playing fields at Almondbury Community School at about 1pm on October 25.
“A 16-year-old boy has been interviewed by voluntary attendance in connection with the incident and we are continuing to progress the investigation.”
Headteacher Trevor Bowen said that this was a very ‘serious incident’ adding that the ‘safety and welfare of students is of paramount importance to us.’ He said, “We are not able to comment further as we are supporting the police with their investigation but I want to be clear that we do not tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any sort in our school.”
Huddersfield MP Barry Sheerman tweeted, “I immediately contacted Shabir Pandor Leader of Kirklees Council on seeing this sickening video this level of violence cannot be tolerated.”
HORRIFYING!!
Racist British high school kids torture this 16-year-old Syrian refugee, who escaped Syria after Assad murdered and tortured a number of his family.
Further details here: https://t.co/R62mERrnwD pic.twitter.com/61pMREGhI8
— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) November 27, 2018
He added, “Video of assault against one of my constituents absolutely shocking. Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention. Understand from council that the school have taken strong action. Will be following up to ensure all available support is being given!”
Video of assault against one of my constituents absolutely shocking. Have been supporting the family since it was first brought to my attention. Understand from council that the school have taken strong action. Will be following up to ensure all available support is being given!
— Barry Sheerman (@BarrySheerman) November 27, 2018
Meanwhile, the solicitor representing the boy has written to the school questioning its apathy in dealing with the victim’s repeated complaints in the past. A campaign to raise funds has also started with more than $1,00,000 dollars already being raised, reported The Washington Post.
Yesterday, we saw 16-year-old Syrian refugee Jamal being tortured by racist teenage thugs.
Today, a video posted online shows his younger sister being bullied at the same school. pic.twitter.com/qCcVQzpZY8
— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) November 28, 2018