Lakhwant Singh was brutally attacked in April and asked to “return to your country”. (Photo file)
New York:
Colorado state authorities in the United States will add a hate crime charge against an individual who brutally attacked a Sikh-American store owner in April and told him to “return to your country.”
The Sikh civil rights organization Sikh Coalition said it has been informed that the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office has decided to add a hate crime charge against Eric Breemen, who will now be charged on multiple counts. – now including a crime motivated by bias – in the April 29 violent assault on Lakhwant Singh.
Mr Singh said he was very grateful to “all Sikhs and non-Sikhs” who stood by his side and his family during this incredibly difficult time and appreciate the Jefferson County authorities for hearing his story and, “through these accusations, acknowledging the role that hate played in my horrific attack”.
Lakhwant Singh was brutally attacked in the store he owns with his wife in April when Breemen entered the store and began to harass the couple, the Sikh coalition had said.
Breemen damaged numerous items and repeatedly told the couple to “return to your country”.
When Breemen left the store, Singh followed him outside to take a photo of his license plate so he could report the abuse, but he hit Singh with his vehicle, knocking him several feet away. across the parking lot, causing multiple injuries.
After his arrest, Breemen told police that he attacked an “Arab” man.
The Sikh Coalition called on authorities to lay formal hate crime charges against the perpetrator. The organization said more than 2,600 people had emailed Jefferson District Attorney Peter Weir, urging him to pursue a hate crime charge. Additionally, 29 organizations joined a signing letter earlier this month to urge it, and many more have signed and delivered additional petitions from around the world.
“The decision to add a bias-motivated charge against Breemen is a resounding victory not only for Singh, but for minority communities who are daily threatened by bias and bigotry,” said the legal director of the Sikh Coalition, Amrith Kaur.
“The addition of these charges sends a clear message: hate is not welcome in Jefferson County, and those who are targeted because they are different know that this community will recognize it and stand in solidarity with them,” she declared.
The Sikh Coalition said Sikh Americans were hundreds of times more likely to experience bigotry, prejudice and backlash than their fellow Americans.
