MAGINNESS CONDEMNS SECTARIAN ATTACK ON SCHOOLGIRL
11.10.07

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness said the assault on a schoolgirl in the Oldpark Road bore all the hallmarks of a sectarian attack.

He said: “From the abuse that was shouted before the attack, it is fairly clear that this girl was singled out for attack because she was wearing the uniform of Belfast Model School.

“This was no minor affray among schoolchildren, this was a vicious assault by a number of young people which left the victim with clumps of her hair pulled out. It was a serious crime and should be treated as such, not just by the police, not just by the local community, but above all by the parents of the young people who committed the attack. It must not be condoned even by omission, it must not be explained away by reference to any previous incidents.

“It is clear that the victim and her family have been deeply traumatized, and they should have our sympathy, but they absolutely must have our support and protection as must all those who are subjected to sectarian attack. It is important that the young perpetrators should realize the enormity of what they have done.”

ENDS

 

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