First modification: 18/03/2021 – 04:36Last modification: 18/03/2021 – 04:35
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Los Angeles (AFP)
The NBA and some of its biggest figures, including LeBron James, on Wednesday condemned violence against the Asian American population following Tuesday’s shootings near Atlanta in which eight people were killed.
The alleged assailant, a 21-year-old white American, acknowledged his responsibility in the attacks that left eight dead in various massage parlors, including six women of Asian origin, but denied that his motive was racism, according to police reports.
The crime took place in a context of growing concerns among the American population of Asian origin, who denounced an increase in racist attacks against them since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James denounced that the attack “is simply absurd and tragic.”
“My condolences to the families of all the victims and the entire Asian community for what happened,” the four-time NBA champion said on Twitter.
The NBA itself issued a statement to denounce that “last night’s tragic events in Atlanta are part of a disturbing increase in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans.”
“Today and every day, we support the Asian community and condemn all acts of hatred and racism,” stressed the American Basketball League.
Veteran point guard Jeremy Lin, who has been denouncing the rise of this type of discrimination in recent months, said the crime in Atlanta “is heartbreaking.”
“For my Asian American family, please take time to grieve, but know that you are loved, considerate, and IMPORTANT. We need to keep standing up, talking, bonding, and fighting for change. We can’t lose hope !! “Lin wrote on Twitter.
The player, who was the first American of Chinese or Taiwanese descent to reach the NBA, has publicly denounced having suffered racism in his own flesh by other basketball players, to the point that he was recently called “coronavirus” during a game with his team from the NBA. G-League, affiliate of the NBA.
For his part, young point guard Trae Young, the star of the Atlanta Hawks, also said he was “fed up” by the attacks that occurred near his city.
“My condolences to the family and loved ones who were affected by this tragedy. No more need to be said … I’m with you, stop the hatred of Asians!” The player tweeted.
© 2021 AFP
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