Parramatta: Pregnant woman bashed at cafe gives birth
The woman who was bashed in a shocking incident at a Parramatta cafe while heavily pregnant has given birth.
Parramatta
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The woman who was allegedly bashed in an alleged act of bigotry at a Parramatta cafe in November has given birth to a healthy baby boy.
Primary school teacher Rana Haidar was enjoying a rare coffee with friends at Bay Vista dessert cafe on November 20 when Stipe Lozina allegedly threw punches at the Muslim woman, who was wearing a hijab, and screamed “Muslims raped my mum’’.
She took to Facebook to slam hatred against Islamophobia.
“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.”
But the Yagoona woman had more uplifting news on the weekend when her baby boy Zayn, who is her fourth child, was born.
“Over the past two weeks I have been reading through all of your messages and they have given me comfort and helped me heal in such a difficult time,’’ she wrote on Facebook.
“Please know that, although I can’t reply to each and every one of you, I am deeply touched by your wave of support.
“I know this will bring a sense of comfort to you all, knowing that through this difficult time, an innocent baby has not been harmed.
“He is such a blessing and I will enjoy this special time at home with him while I continue to recover.’’
Outside court, Mrs Haidar’s sister, Rola El Eche, said the baby’s arrival brought relief to the family, “because we now know they say everything’s all right but until you see it, you’re holding your breath”.
However, Mrs El Eche said her sister was still struggling after the incident.
“She’s as best as can be expected. She’s not coping but luckily the baby’s healthy,’ she said.
“She needs a lot of help. She’s not going out any time soon.’’
On November 22, Lozina was refused bail at Parramatta Local Court. He had only finished a sentence for other violent crimes eight months ago.
Lozina, 43, walked free on parole on March 21 and his sentence was ultimately completed on June 21.
Lozina did his time but authorities allege he continued to commit crimes.
He was charged twice for allegedly damaging property at Parramatta restaurant Jom Roti and at Parramatta police station on October 5.
That matter was before Parramatta Local Court on November 19, just one day before he allegedly stomped the expectant mother on the cafe floor.
On December 5, he appeared in court via audio visual link.
Lozina was due to return to Parramatta Local Court today but it was adjourned to tomorrow.