Two Australian women have been charged following an alleged racial attack on three Chinese students at Sydney's Central Station in the early hours of July 25. The women, aged 26 and 33, face charges of common assault and using offensive language in a public place.
The altercation reportedly began when the women allegedly directed offensive comments toward a group of three male students who were waiting for a ride-share. In footage captured of the incident, one of the women can be heard using profanities and allegedly shoved one of the students.
Lenny Tai, 29, one of the students, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he was grabbed by the neck, choked, and scratched on the face during the alleged assault. Tai stated that the incident has left him with significant psychological distress, reporting nightmares and an inability to feel safe in his own neighborhood.
Another student, Minghao Zhan, 20, expressed fear and concern over the incident, suggesting it highlights public safety issues for international students in Sydney and a broader concern about anti-Asian sentiment.
New South Wales Police arrested the two women at Day Street Police Station on Saturday, August 1. They were subsequently granted conditional bail and are scheduled to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on September 2.
