Sydney:
A seven-month long battle for justice has ended in disappointment for an Indian race attack victim in Sydney.
The 28-year-old Indian, who has been living in Australia for 11 years, was racially abused and attacked by a group of six Australia-born boys and girls on Sydney's popular Coogee beach on January 11 this year. The police arrived on the scene 40 minutes after a call from the victim and had arrested only one of assailants, who was later let off on bail.
But now after seven months of fighting his case, the attacker has been let off with just a 750 dollar penalty. The accused, a 19-year-old boy, told the court that he was homeless, poor and frustrated.
The ordeal has been long and the verdict was out in just 10 minutes shattering all hopes for justice.
Speaking to NDTV, the victim, who does not want his identity to be disclosed, says he has lost faith in the system.
"Today was the day of the verdict. When I reached, the attackers' lawyer said that they will be pleading guilty for a low-level assault and not for causing bodily harm. I had tooth and neck injuries because of the attacks and the punches," he said.
The victim added, "The judge acknowledged it was an offence and said that others too have the right to be in the community. But then let off the attacker on a good behaviour bond. That man who attacked me and who pleaded guilty, he was convicted, but he was let off today."
Disheartened, the victim now realizes that his safety is in his own hands and he cannot rely on the authorities down under. "First convicting a man and then releasing him looks like there are some issues that need to addressed. I have to look at my own safety because I don't feel safe," he said.