South Asian anti-racism groups demand justice after British Sikh woman’s rape

Anti-racism organisations representing Britain’s South Asian communities have demanded justice following the racially aggravated sexual attack of a British Sikh woman, also raised in the UK Parliament as an “absolutely appalling” crime.

South Asia Solidarity Group issued a statement on Monday backed by over 40 community organisations cutting across the religious divide to condemn the attack in Oldbury last week, as the West Midlands Police said its investigations remain ongoing following the arrest of a man in his 30s on suspicion of the rape.

British Sikh MP from the region, Gurinder Singh Josan, raised the “horrific attack” in the House of Commons on Monday and asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to address the wider concerns of the Sikh and other ethnic minority communities regarding an “increase of racism in the public discourse, which can lead to targeted violence and damage community safety”.

“The horror of a sexual assault motivated by race or ethnicity is absolutely appalling. I am sure that the whole House will join me in condemning such crimes in the strongest possible terms,” responded Mahmood.

“This government will not stand for any incitement to racial hatred or violence. It is imperative and incumbent on all members of the House to ensure that we all jointly and collectively hold that line,” she said.

The West Midlands Police said the rape victim, in her 20s, had told officers that a racist remark was made to her during the attack on September 9. According to local reports, two white male attackers told her “you don’t belong in this country, get out”.

“The far-right racists, like fascists everywhere, target racialised women for particularly vicious violence, viewing them as dehumanised symbols of their communities. This is what has led to the horrific Oldbury attack,” the South Asia Solidarity Group statement reads.

The statement goes on to target the Prime Minister Keir Starmer-led government’s “increasingly oppressive immigration policies” for fuelling racism on the streets of the country.

“We demand justice for the survivor of the Oldbury attack. Fascists off our streets,” it adds.

The National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK issued a statement this week to extend support to members of the diaspora feeling anxious in the wake of the racist attack, which came against the backdrop of a massive anti-immigration rally in London on Saturday.

“It is an assault not only on one individual, but on every principle of dignity, humanity and belonging that underpins our society. We stand in full solidarity with the victim, her family, and the Sikh community at this deeply painful time,” the students’ group said.

“We know that many international students and members of the diaspora might be deeply shaken by this crime, especially against the backdrop of large anti-immigration demonstrations. Let us be clear: peaceful protest is a democratic right, but violence, hate, and intimidation can never be tolerated. To anyone who is feeling anxious or unsafe: you are not alone,” it noted.

A massive demonstration organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and addressed by American tech billionaire Elon Musk over the weekend led to violent clashes, with scores of Metropolitan Police officers injured and 24 suspects arrested.

Home Secretary Mahmood condemned the violence in a parliamentary statement, condemning Musk for encouraging citizens to fight against Britain’s ancient democracy.

“When a foreign billionaire calls on our citizens to fight against our ancient democracy, I know this is met by the vast majority with a shake of the head. That is because we are, in truth, a tolerant country. And yes, we are a diverse one too. You can be English with roots here that stretch back 1,000 years. But you can also be English and look like me,” said the minister of South Asian heritage.

“I know many people, particularly from London’s diverse communities, are feeling extremely worried following the events of the weekend,” said London’s Pakistani-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan, who recalled growing up with far-right marches in the 1970s.

“As Londoners, and as proud Brits, we must unite to reject the far-right – just as we have many times before. But it’s going to take a huge effort from us all – from people of all races and backgrounds, who are willing to stand up for our British values of equality, inclusion and mutual respect,” he said.

Earlier, Starmer had also condemned the weekend’s far-right violence, saying the government will not allow any intimidation based on people’s “background or the colour of their skin”.