Australian assault sparks Indian student rally

Last Updated: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 15:13:00 +1000

Australian police have played down reports of racial violence in the country's largest city, Sydney, where up to 200 Indian nationals rallied in response to attacks on two students.

Two men in their 20s were assaulted in separate incidents by offenders described as Middle Eastern in appearance.

The victims had minor injuries and did not press charges.

But the incident sparked a protest by a crowd of Indians, and three men of Middle Eastern appearance were bashed in apparent retaliation.

Opportunistic

Police Commander Robert Redfern says the attacks on the Indian men were opportunistic, not racially motivated.

A spokesman for the Lebanese Community Council covering Sydney, Elie Nassif, says any individuals making trouble should be dealt with by police as a criminal matter.

Mr Nassif says there has been tension in the local area between a small section of the Lebanese and Indian communities, which needs to be addressed.

He says: "Whether we like it or not, it is happening, but as leaders, as community leaders, we should work together to wipe all this."

'Safe destination'

Meanwhile, Australia's Education Minister Julia Gillard says Australia is a safe destination for international students, despite the attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne.

"Overwhelmingly [international students] say they've had a positive experience in Australia with the Australian people and in our Australian educational institutions," she said.

"But to the extent that we see any international student hurt or at risk, we obviously want to make a difference."

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