Press Release

Mayor condemns alleged racist attack

Tuesday, 07 December 2004

The Mayor, Councillor Gearoid O’hEara has condemned the alleged racist attack on three Polish immigrants in the city at the weekend.

According to reports the men were attacked by up to four men in a bar on the Dungiven Road in the Waterside, on Sunday morning. One of the victims received 13 stitches after being struck in the face with a glass while another had to receive treatment for a broken nose.

The attack come following an incident where a number of windows were broken at a house in occupied by a Polish family in the Pelham Road area of the Waterside.

Condemning this latest attack the Mayor said he was shocked and horrified at the incident and pledged his support for the Polish Welfare Association.

“I hosted a reception for members of the Polish community in November and was delighted to be able to formally welcome the group to the Guildhall and the city. This apparent racial attack must be condemned outright and every effort made to bring an end to such attacks on members of this hardworking community. The Council’s community relations officer will continue to work closely with the recently established Polish Welfare Association in an effort to promote good relations in the city,” he said.

The Council’s Community Relations Officer, Sue Gallagher said it was important to point out that racism must not be tolerated.

She commented: “Our society suffers from many prejudices - sectarianism, racism and homophobia to name but a few. I would encourage individuals and communities to speak out publicly against racism and to see if they can help to promote understanding of cultural diversity in their areas.”

Ends

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