Singapore High Commission 'deeply disturbed' by alleged racist assault on student in London
Mr Jonathan Mok, 23, had been assaulted along London’s Oxford Street on Feb 24 after he reacted to a group of youths who had made racist comments towards him regarding Covid-19.
SINGAPORE — Singapore’s High Commission in London said it is “deeply disturbed” by the assault of a Singaporean student in the British capital and is working closely with police to ensure investigations into the incident are carried out.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday (March 4) on the assault of student Jonathan Mok, the High Commission said it is in close contact with Mr Mok and London's Metropolitan Police Service "at the highest level" to ensure that it follows through with its investigation into the incident with the "utmost priority".
Mr Mok, 23, had been assaulted along London’s Oxford Street on Feb 24 after he reacted to a group of youths who had made racist comments towards him regarding Covid-19.
The police have said they were investigating the racially aggravated assault, reported CNA on Tuesday, though no arrests had been made yet.
In its post, the Singapore High Commission noted the "broader implications" of the incident, given the large Singaporean and student community in Britain, and added that it is also in contact with Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office and its Home Office.
"We do not believe that the assault reflects the majority view of British people in particular towards Singapore, given the close and special relationship between the UK and Singapore," the High Commission said.
"There are unfortunately always abhorrent elements in every society, especially in such uncertain and anxious times."
It added that Ms Kara Owen, the British High Commissioner in Singapore, has "similarly expressed her shock and sadness on the incident, making it clear that there is no place in society for such nasty behaviour".
The Singapore High Commission advised Singaporeans not to engage with abusers, remove themselves from such situations as quickly as possible, and report any abuse to the police immediately. Singaporeans in Britain can also contact the 24-hour duty consular number at +44 7710 348 335 for emergency assistance.
The High Commission also urged all Singaporeans in Britain to take the necessary precautions, especially when travelling alone, and to register online with Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) if they have not already done so.
In response to TODAY’s queries, MFA said on Wednesday that it is aware of the case.
“The Singapore High Commission in London has reached out to the Singaporean student to render consular assistance. The High Commission is also in contact with the UK authorities to ensure that the incident is investigated and that the student is given the due legal process,” added MFA.
