A 19-year-old Ukrainian man was beaten in Wrocław after speaking Ukrainian: the police have launched an investigation

This was reported by Radio Wrocław.

The incident took place on 4 July at around 8.00 pm on Słodowa Island — a popular leisure spot in the centre of Wrocław. It was still light, and there were plenty of people around.

19-year-old Volodymyr was spending time with his girlfriend and friends. Before the attack, he was speaking to his parents on the phone in Ukrainian. After that, one of the young men approached him and rudely demanded that he hand over his e-cigarette. When he refused, the attacker whistled and called over the rest of the group.


 

According to the victim, they began hitting him on the head. He was unable to defend himself because, during the attack, they had partially pulled his T-shirt over his head and used it to cover his face. After that, the young man was knocked to the ground and kicked.

What injuries did the young man sustain?

According to Volodymyr, his nose and two nasal bones were broken, and the back part of his nasal cartilage was displaced. He said he was covered in blood, his T-shirt was torn, and a chain was ripped from his neck.

Radio Wrocław reports that, following a medical examination, the victim was diagnosed with moderate bodily injuries expected to take more than seven days to heal. The report also mentions spinal damage and numerous bruises.

Following the attack, the 19-year-old’s friends called the police and an ambulance. According to the publication, the attackers fled when they heard the emergency services’ sirens.

What the victim says

Volodymyr stated that after the police arrived, he heard the attackers laughing about having ‘beaten up a Ukrainian’. According to him, his female friends heard this too.

Initially, the incident was classified as a brawl. According to the young man, this was the version of events that the ambulance crew allegedly relayed to the police. The victim himself was taken to hospital.

On Monday, Volodymyr, together with his parents, filed a report with the police regarding the assault.

What the police say

Wrocław police spokeswoman Aleksandra Freus told Radio Wrocław that a report had been filed at the Wrocław-Olbin police station regarding a possible offence involving the assault of a 19-year-old man on Slodowa Island.

Following the filing of the report, the police have opened an investigation into the matter. Law enforcement officers are currently working to establish the circumstances of the attack, the individuals involved and the role of each of them.

Parents appeal for witnesses to come forward

The victim’s father, Ihor, said he did not understand why speaking Ukrainian could have provoked such aggression. He called for an end to the spread of violence in Wrocław and asked eyewitnesses not to remain silent.

The family of the 19-year-old appealed to anyone who witnessed the attack to contact the police and tell the truth about what happened.

The attack took place in broad daylight, in a busy area where there were many potential witnesses. The victim’s statement that the aggression began after the attackers heard Ukrainian caused a particular stir.

At the same time, it is important to note from a legal perspective that the final classification of the incident must be determined by the Polish police following their investigation. It is currently known that a report of the assault has been filed and proceedings in the case have been initiated.

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