Irish Police Probe Killing of Chinese Student

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, January 28, 2002

Irish Police Probe Killing of Chinese Student

The death of 29-year-old Zhao Liutao may be the first race-related killing involving a Chinese national in Ireland, said the Chinese embassy in Dublin.

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The death of 29-year-old Zhao Liutao may be the first race-related killing involving a Chinese national in Ireland, said the Chinese embassy in Dublin.

"Zhao's death, which may be the first racist killing in the history of this country, has aroused calls from opposition politicians and organizations working with ethnic minorities for a clear strategy on combating racism to be put in place," said Kang Jincheng, a diplomat with the Chinese embassy in Ireland.

Zhao died in Beaumont Hospital with serious head injuries on Thursday. A post-mortem examination carried out on his body over the weekend concluded the cause of death was head injuries which caused brain damage.

Zhao arrived Ireland in 2000 and studied at the Irish Language Institute.

Around 10 pm on January 21, Zhao was on the way to a friend's house after a party when he and his friends met several Irish youths at the junction of Beaumont Road and Beaumont Grove. Taunts were exchanged between the two parties and an altercation broke out.

It is believed the fight broke out after the Chinese men had been subjected to racist taunts, according to Irish police.

Kang also pointed out that an investigation showed the tragedy was not the Chinese man's fault.

Zhao's younger brother and cousin arrived in the city over the weekend and will bring Zhao's body back to Shenyang in Northeast China this week if everything goes smoothly.

"Our embassy has been doing everything possible to help Zhao's relatives and friends at this sad and difficult time," said Kang.

The official told China Daily in a telephone interview that Zhao's parents had not been informed of the tragedy. "They are old and in poor health," said Kang.

The Chinese embassy released a statement in Dublin, saying it hopes the Irish police will continue their intensive investigation, come forth with a resolution and bring the offenders to justice as soon as possible.

According to Irish police sources, two Dublin youths were arrested at the scene - one aged 14 and the other 16. The two were released without charge and files sent to the police station.

A second 16-year-old youth subsequently went to Coolock Garda Station accompanied by his parents on Wednesday night, where he made a statement and a file was sent to the station.

Source: China Daily

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