International Students Get Attacked In Cork With Ropes

International students in Cork are expressing fear after two Indian students studying at UCC were allegedly attacked with ropes by a group of teenagers in the city centre. The incidents involving international students, believed to be racially motivated, occurred last Saturday, sparking concerns over safety among the international student community.

Dr. Lekha Menon Margassery, president of the UCC Indian Alumni Community, has called for increased police presence in Cork city centre. She described the first incident of the series of attacks on the international students, where a student talking on his phone near Carroll’s gift shop on Patrick Street around 5:30 pm, had a rope thrown around his neck by a teenager. The student managed to remove the rope and escaped, later taking a picture of the gang involved.

Within half an hour, a second attack on international students reportedly occurred near Adelaide Street and North Main Street involving the same group. This time, the victim was a husband studying in Cork with his wife, both were professionals in India taking a sabbatical to pursue their Masters. The man had a rope thrown around his neck, and the assailants, including a young boy who laughed as if it were a prank, fled the scene.

“These attacks are deeply unsettling,” said Dr. Margassery. She noted that the international students who were victimised, who came to Ireland to study and explore, are now scared to leave the campus. The first student involved is so shaken that he is seeking employment on campus to avoid travelling to the city centre.

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“I’ve been in Cork since 2008, and only in the last six months have I heard of incidents like this,” Dr. Margassery added. She mentioned that other Indian students were verbally abused a few weeks earlier near Paul Street shopping centre. A group of people surrounded them, yelling racial slurs and telling them to return to their country.

UCC has confirmed that they are supporting the students involved but declined to comment on ongoing Garda investigations. Dr. Margassery emphasised the importance of international students being able to connect, learn, and feel safe in Ireland. “These students came to Ireland to experience a different culture, but if they are constantly in fear, they will never get the chance to truly engage with their surroundings,” she said.

The students affected by the attacks have chosen to remain anonymous due to fear of further retribution. The first student has made an official complaint to the Gardaí, but the second has decided not to file a formal report. Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the reported incidents, confirming that no injuries were reported at the time and that inquiries are ongoing.

The Department of Justice condemned the violence, labelling it “utterly unacceptable,” and reiterated that those responsible would be held accountable. However, they declined to comment further due to the ongoing investigation. Minister Helen McEntee acknowledged the harm these incidents cause to community safety and expressed confidence in the Gardaí’s ability to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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Dr. Margassery’s appeal for increased security highlights the broader issue of ensuring safety for international students in Ireland. “We have built a multicultural community here that has always been welcoming. When such events occur, it becomes harder to reassure students that they are safe,” she said, stressing the need for more visible policing and proactive measures to prevent further attacks.

The incidents have cast a shadow over the sense of security in Cork, prompting a call for action to protect those who come to Ireland to study, work, and contribute to the community. As investigations continue, the focus remains on safeguarding students and fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all.