In New York, citizens form patrol against violence against Asians

Published on : 23/03/2021 – 06:59

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In the United States, hundreds of demonstrations took place on Saturday March 21 and Sunday March 22 to denounce violence targeting the Asian community. After the Atlanta shootings and with the increase in violence, the inhabitants of some neighborhoods are getting organized, including the creation of a citizen patrol by volunteers in New York to ensure security in the Flushing neighborhood.

With our correspondent New York, Loubna Anaki

Before the start of the patrol, Richard Lee gives the final instructions. “ If anyone is looking to commit a crime here, they will see a person or a group with these yellow vests on the street. It will make him think before taking action, here », Explains this retiree from the NYPD, surrounded by about thirty volunteers wearing fluorescent yellow jackets.

Richard Lee is one of a group of volunteers who have decided to provide security in Flushing. With Chinatown, this district concentrates the largest Asian community in New York, and in recent months, attacks and assaults have multiplied.

« I think everyone feels the same : fear and worry for our friends and families, summarizes Wan Chen, the initiator of this patrol. It is really painful to see another Asian person assaulted, killed : it’s time for us to denounce all this and do what we can to help. »

In the street, volunteers distribute brochures against violence and explain to residents how to file a complaint in the event of an assault. They also sometimes escort elderly people, for example, if they are afraid.

The group of Wan Chen and Richard Lee hope so reduce violence : in New York, attacks against Asians have multiplied by 9 since the start of the pandemic.

► Read also : United States: after the Atlanta massacre, the fear of the Asian community

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