Jarnail Singh Speaks Out Against Rising Hate Crimes in Hobart, Tasmania
In a distressing series of events over the past two to three months, Jarnail Singh, a well-respected restaurateur in Hobart, Tasmania, has become the target of hate crimes, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation via PTI.
Singh, who has been an integral part of the community for approximately 15 years, expressed his anguish over the continuous attacks. Speaking to ABC News on November 14, he highlighted the mental toll these incidents have taken on him, especially when they involve his home and bear his name. “It’s too much mental stress. Something has to be done,” Singh urged.
The initial incident involved dog excrement being smeared on the door handles of Singh’s car outside his home for several consecutive days. Subsequently, racist graffiti with the message “Go home, Indian” was discovered in his driveway. Despite reporting the matter to the police, the lack of video evidence has impeded progress in identifying the perpetrator.
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Commander Elmer condemned any form of verbal or physical harassment, stating, “There is no excuse for any form of verbal or physical harassment in the community.”
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He urged individuals who believe they have been victims of prejudice-related incidents to contact the police promptly, emphasizing the commitment to addressing and preventing such incidents in the community
Singh, who initially assumed the incidents were isolated and possibly the work of a young person, received a more offensive letter a month later. The letter contained explicit remarks and threats, escalating the situation further.
Having lived in Australia for 15 years, with the last decade spent in Tasmania, Singh is a longstanding member of the community. Tasmania Police Commander Jason Elmer assured the public that the incidents were reported and under investigation. Elmer emphasized that current legislation allows courts to consider racial motivation as an aggravating factor in sentencing.
Commander Elmer condemned any form of verbal or physical harassment, stating, “There is no excuse for any form of verbal or physical harassment in the community.” He urged individuals who believe they have been victims of prejudice-related incidents to contact the police promptly, emphasizing the commitment to addressing and preventing such incidents in the community.
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