Seven children charged for violent assault on Chinese couple in Sydney

Seven minors have been charged in connection with a violent assault on a Chinese couple at an apartment complex in Eastgardens, a suburb in Sydney’s southeast, on the evening of May 21.

According to New South Wales Police, Lily (not her real name) and her husband were searching for lost keys in the courtyard of their Oscar Place residence at around 5:15 p.m. when a group of about seven teens began shouting abuse at them. The couple attempted to walk away, but one teen allegedly grabbed Lily’s clothing, causing her to fall.

While on the ground, Lily was kicked and punched repeatedly. Her clothes were pulled over her eyes, leaving her unable to defend herself. Her husband tried to intervene but was also attacked. He stepped back to call police, prompting the group to flee. A bystander walking her dog also intervened.

Graphic video footage captured by witnesses circulated widely on social media, showing parts of the assault. The couple suffered facial injuries and were treated at Prince of Wales Hospital.

NSW Police confirmed that seven minors — including two 12-year-old girls, two 14-year-old girls, a 14-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl — have been charged. Six face charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray. The 16-year-old girl will be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. All have been granted conditional bail and are scheduled to appear in children’s court in June.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward. In a statement to ABC News, the woman said the attack “greatly reduced [her] impression of this country.”

While the police said there was no evidence the assault was racially motivated, the case has intensified public discourse about the safety of Asian residents and youth-related violence in urban areas.

The Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney issued a statement condemning the assault and urged Chinese nationals in Australia to remain vigilant, especially at night. It also called on Australian authorities to protect the rights and safety of Chinese citizens.