Parramatta: Pregnant woman allegedly bashed at cafe slams hatred
A pregnant woman who was allegedly bashed at a western Sydney cafe said she had experienced bigotry but never thought the “hatred’’ would lead to such physical abuse.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A pregnant woman who was allegedly bashed at a Parramatta cafe has expressed her shock at the physical abuse she experienced on Wednesday night when she was stomped on the head.
Stipe Lozina, 43, was charged with attacking the 31-year-old, who was dining with friends at Bay Vista cafe after he allegedly yelled that Muslims raped his mother.
The Sydney born and bred woman — who is 38 weeks pregnant — said she seldom posted on Facebook but was compelled to say it was not OK for such abuse.
“I have experienced occurrences of verbal abuse and hate from other Australians in the past but I have never thought that physical abuse of this nature could happen to me,’’ she said.
“For me, the verbal abuse was already too much and I know the Islamic community feels the same. It is NOT OK.
“How somebody feels like they have the right to abuse another human being baffles me. It shows weakness. It shows that you do not possess basic human empathy and kindness and those are the kinds of people who do not deserve to be part of our Australian community.’’
The woman urged the community not to stay silent.
“I fear for the world our children will grow up in, if this issue is not addressed,’’ she said.
“I call all Australians, Muslim or non-Muslims, of all faiths and cultures to come together, as you have already done for me, and voice your solidarity in protecting innocent people from any future facial/religious attacks.’’
Lozina was refused bail and is due to reappear at Parramatta Local Court on November 19.