Korean Tourist Hit with Capsaicin in Racial Discrimination Incident... Consulate Says "We Can't Help"

Recently, a Korean tourist visiting Milan, Italy, was subjected to blatant racial discrimination and assault. However, when the incident was reported to the consulate, the response was, "There is nothing we can do to help," sparking controversy.

On the 22nd, JTBC reported, "In early this month, a man in his 20s, Mr. A, who was touring Corso Como street in Milan, Italy, was assaulted by a group of Black assailants." The eight assailants directed racially discriminatory remarks and actions at Mr. A and three other Koreans, attacked them by spraying what is presumed to be a capsaicin-based spray, and one of them stole a mobile phone and fled.

[Image source=JTBC news screen capture]

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Mr. A told JTBC, "They started making monkey noises from about 100 meters away and said 'Nihao' and 'Ching chong' (a derogatory term used in the West to belittle Chinese and other East Asians)." He added, "After knocking me down, they took my necklace, sprayed the spray into my eyes, and another person took my phone." It is reported that Mr. A suffered theft damages worth approximately 3 to 4 million won.

Mr. A and his group sought help from the local consulate in Milan, but instead of receiving interpretation assistance, they were told, "There is nothing we can do to help. The only thing we can do is provide the locations of the emergency room and police station." Eventually, with the help of a companion, Mr. A filed a report with the local police, but even after three weeks, no updates on the investigation have been received.

Tourists Flock to Milan Duomo Square [File Photo]

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As hate crimes targeting Asians have occurred in Europe, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued 'Guidelines for Preventing Hate Crime Victimization.' According to these guidelines, "If it is difficult to speak English or the local language, consular assistance can be requested at embassies or consulates." However, regarding this incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained to JTBC, "Under the Consular Assistance Act, interpretation services are difficult to provide unless it is an emergency situation."

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