Foreign student beaten up for being Muslim

A MusliM student on a Government scholarship for ‘developing global leaders to build positive relationships with the uK’ has been beaten unconscious by strangers over his religion.

ihsan Abualrob, 27, pictured, and a friend were in a Durham pub on Christmas Eve when they were asked by a drinker ‘are you suicide bombers?’

The thugs attacked the pair as they left despite Mr Abualrob responding to insults by saying ‘Merry Christmas, enjoy your holiday’. Mr Abualrob, who was treated at hospital and is studying for a Masters degree in politics and international relations at Durham university, said: ‘At one point i lost consciousness.

‘i am from Palestine and came here hoping for a peaceful life – not to live in fear.’

Police said two men were arrested for the hate crime. Mr Abualrob’s studies are funded by the Government’s Chevening scholarship scheme.