Face of the Syrian refugee ‘waterboarded by school bully’
He gives thumbs up to supporters who raised £130,000 for a new life
THE Syrian refugee who was allegedly ‘waterboarded’ by a school bully appeared happy and smiling yesterday as he thanked well-wishers for their support.
Thousands of people shocked by an online video showing the appalling treatment of Jamal, 15, have donated more than £130,000 to help give his family a fresh start.
Both Jamal and his 13-year-old sister – who was also attacked by a group of girls in an incident recorded in a separate video – were at home yesterday and unlikely to return to classes at their school.
Their solicitor said they hoped to use the funds from the appeal to move away from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and begin again in a different part of Britain.
Around 30 protesters gathered outside Almondbury Community School yesterday to show their support for the Syrian family. Jamal and his father went to see the group and express their gratitude. Jamal was in good spirits as he gave a thumbs-up and said ‘thanks to everyone’ before returning home.
A four-man delegation was allowed in to the school to discuss concerns about bullying with head teacher Trevor Bowen.
One of them, Imam Mohammed Pandor, from Batley, said it was a ‘very productive’ meeting, adding: ‘We are satisfied that the teachers at this school are taking this matter seriously.’
Police confirmed they are investigating an assault on the boy’s younger sister, a video of which also went viral.
Footage showed other girls trying to pull off her hijab and pushing her to the ground. The incident is said to have happened on Tuesday after the video of her brother’s attack was circulated on social media.
The family’s solicitor Tasnime Akunjee said: ‘The family is extremely upset by this new development.