Amid COVID-19 Spread in Europe, Anti-Asian Hate Also Rises

Jonathan Mok, an international student from Singapore, was assaulted on a street in London, UK, on the 2nd. / Photo by Facebook Capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly spreads worldwide, hate crimes targeting Asians are increasing in Europe.

On the 2nd (local time), Jonathan Mok (23), a Singaporean student attending a university in London, UK, confessed on his Facebook that he was indiscriminately assaulted on the street.

According to his post, Mok got into an argument with 3 to 4 people around 9:15 PM on the 24th of last month while walking on Oxford Street in London. The perpetrators reportedly called him "coronavirus" and assaulted him.

In an interview with the BBC, Mok said, "Some people are using the coronavirus situation as an excuse for hatred," adding, "It is unfortunate that such experiences tarnish London's image."

He also added, "In the past few weeks, verbal and physical violence targeting Asians has worsened."

As COVID-19 rapidly spreads worldwide, racial discrimination against Asians is also increasing in Europe.

Tourists visiting Venice, Italy, were seen pulling their luggage through the deserted San Marco Square on the 2nd (local time), a result of the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, the German weekly magazine 'Der Spiegel' sparked controversy for promoting racism by describing COVID-19 as "Made in China" on its cover published last month.

On the 11th of last month, German famous actor Gabriele Scharnitzki canceled a lease contract with a 21-year-old Chinese female tenant due to concerns about COVID-19 infection.

In the suburbs of Paris, France, a Japanese restaurant also suffered humiliation after being targeted with paint vandalism.

Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in European countries is rapidly increasing. As of 6 PM on the 3rd, Italy recorded a cumulative 2,502 confirmed cases and 79 deaths, and France's confirmed cases rose to 204.

In Spain, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases increased by 30 from the previous day to 150, prompting health authorities to announce that some sports events will be held without spectators.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.