‘Racial attack’ on Princes Street investigated by police
Police have launched an investigation after a 22-yearold woman said she was set upon by a teenaged gang and punched in the face in what she fears was a ‘racist attack’.
Police arrived at Princes Street, in the centre of Edinburgh, at 9.05pm on Friday, October 8 after they received reports of an assault in the city centre.
The victim, Moon Kazi, was walking towards the Omni Centre with a friend when she was punched in the face by a blonde teenager around 5ft 2in tall, backed up by a large group of peers.
The force of the blow broke Miss Kazi’s glasses and caused the young woman to cry out then fall to the ground.
“When they heard my scream of pain they started laughing and shouting at us,” said the Edinburgh student.
After carrying out the "unprovoked attack” the gang crossed the road and went on to reportedly assault another person of colour.
Miss Kazi’s friend, who prefers not to be named, followed the group of teenagers and recorded them while she phoned the police.
“During the recording, it was very evident that the teens were intoxicated, the girl kicked my friend and tried to hit her several times,” said Miss Kazi who is a fourth year dental student at Edinburgh University.
“When they heard me calling the police some of the people in the group left and only three teens were left, including the girl that hit me. The girl slapped another foreigner and kept shouting at my friend.”
The police have confirmed that officers attended the scene and enquiries are still ongoing.
A spokesperson from Police Scotland said: “Officers were called around 9.05pm on Friday 8 October to a report of an assault on Princes Street, Edinburgh. Enquiries are continuing.”
The attack has left Miss Kaia feeling constantly in danger and an outsider in the city she had hoped to make her permanent home after graduating.
She said: “The worst part of this experience was that I felt helpless. On my way back home I feel extremely uncomfortable and in danger. I felt like an outsider, in a city that I have living in for the past three years.”