Asians attacked again in Ile de France

The first attacks on the Chinese community in France began in 2010. Citizens marched in Belleville in June 2010 and in 2011 for better police protection.

In June 2010 and again in 2011, the Chinese community organized protests in Belleville, demanding better protection for the police. In 2013, attacks began targeting tourist buses.

Thieves were found in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and airports. Over time, violence accompanied flights and took place against entire buses.

Crimes have continued to grow, prompting the Chinese government to intervene with the French authorities to protect their citizens. The image of these tourists is that of people carrying a lot of cash to buy luxury goods. Most of them prefer not to file a complaint because they are only in the country for a few days.

Attacks on French residents

Unfortunately, in the years that followed, attacks were no longer limited to tourists. Attacks on Asian nationals, particularly Chinese nationals, have increased. They targeted these people only because the “thugs” thought they had a lot of cash on them. These free acts came to a head in August 2016 with the death in Aubervilliers (93) of a Chinese couturier father.

For some time, attacks have been increasing in Paris and the east of the capital, bringing a sense of fear to the Asian population living there. The idea that the “Chinese” have money remains the mantra of criminals. To secure their compatriots, the young generation, born of successful integration, like the AJCF (Association of Chinese Young People of France), organizes meetings. She advises not to go out alone but in groups and avoid late hours. Above all, you should not be afraid to file a complaint. The number increased from around thirty in 2015 to 105 in the first 8 months of 2016.

The murder of Chaoli Zhang in Aubervilliers

Following the death of Chaolin Zhang on August 7, 2016, 2 protests were held in Aubervilliers, August 14 and 21, 2016. A third is held on September 4 in Paris, from the Republic to the Bastille in the presence of Valérie Pécresse. It has nearly 50,000 people. The grievances are based on security with more police and CCTV in sensitive areas. They demand more translators and less waiting time when they file complaints.

The trial of 2 of the 3 attackers began in June 2018 on the grounds of “violent robbery leading to death”. After a few days, the court held the character “racist”.  It takes 8 and 15 years against the accused. The 3rd, a 15-year-old at the time of the crime, is sentenced to 5 years, 3 of which are suspended.

The Shaoyo Liu case

In March 2017, a Chinese national residing in the 19th district of Paris died as a result of an intervention by the IBC during an intervention for a family member reported by a neighbor. A policeman shot the father without warning to his family. As a result,

The opening of two investigations, one by the IGPN, the police, the other by the Paris public prosecutor’s office, the IGPN ordered an investigation and the Paris public prosecutor’s office. However, the anger of the citizens has not been quelled and several rallies have taken place in front of the local police station. However, the case took on a diplomatic character with the Beijing intervention which asked France to protect its citizens. Paris responded by strengthening the provisions reserved for the reception and security of the latter. Unfortunately, the scourge of these attacks continues and takes a new turn.

Things are starting to change

The years 2018 and 2019 reveal an assault every 3 days in the Val-de-Marne. The reason is always the same: “the Chinese always have cash” (which is not always true) and “making a Chinese makes it possible to integrate a gang”.  The associations claim that one is required every 2 days throughout the Île-de-France region. They deplore the fact that the racist character is still neglected. However, the Créteil Public Prosecutor’s Office took this into account as far as possible by highlighting it in 19 of 22 cases clarified.

Therefore, the associations are fighting for Asians to become more involved in the fight against racism. SOS Racisme proposes a pilot project to dismantle prejudices in schools in Île-de-France. Teenagers are often the basis of these attacks. The other answer to the problem is the video surveillance that the associations are asking for. It will take some time for the cities to be ready.

The other side of the relationship between France and Chinese tourists

While the Yellow Vests crisis has impacted the French economy, the phenomenon is likely to frighten international tourists. With Chinese visitors being a majority, tourism professionals have decided to pamper them. It was therefore important to avoid any inconvenience caused by theft and aggression.  Indeed, between 2008 and 2018, the number of Chinese tourists increased 3.7-fold in Ile-de-France. In reference to the number of hotel arrivals recorded by the Regional Tourism Committee, it reached 1.793 million. They are also foreign visitors who spend the most money (€1,525 on average per person).

Now, the habits of tourists are changing, as is the case of Chinese tourists. If they used to travel in groups, 50% prefer to travel individually with new technologies. Thanks to the partnership signed between Alibaba (Fliggy), the IDF region and Atout France (France’s overseas promotion agency), facilities for Chinese tourists are possible for “We chat” app users. The purchase of transport tickets (SNCF and RATP) can be done via the app. Dematerialized payment is safer and helps to avoid cash on your own, a way to combat delinquency.

Social media hate speech against Asian community

Today, the Asian community faces a new kind of hardship. She must react to a campaign of social media denigration and hate speech against the community.

Since the coronavirus appeared in China and spread around the world, China and its citizens have been accused. A resurgence of anti-Asian racism has emerged, leading to the creation of the hashtag #JePasSuisPasUnVirus. This phenomenon existed before the virus was reported, but since then, there has been an upsurge of insults and bad-taste jokes. Xenophobia is gradually taking hold all over the world.

For the past few days, “calls to attack every Chinese in departments 91, 92, 93, 94 and 95” have been circulating on social media: Attacking the Chinese here would mean avenging the Uyghurs. Following numerous reports, the AJCF and the “Security for All” committee denounced the abuses.  They ask to report tweets and messages but not relay them anymore.

AJCF and LICRA file complaints

Following the AJCF’s complaints, the Prosecutor’s Office has just opened an investigation for “public incitement to commit an attack on the physical integrity of a racist person” (Simply, “Calls for violence against Asians”). The LICRA also reported that it was filing a complaint. The investigations were carried out by the Crimes Against the Person Brigade (BRDP). Remember that this type of crime is punished by 5 years imprisonment and 45 000€ fine.

In addition, a complaint was filed and a report was made on the Pharos platform, which is responsible for detecting illegal online content. As a result, the most vocal tweets had become invisible and accounts were suspended.

The collectives therefore call on Asians to take the utmost care and to watch over each other. They also advise each victim or witness of a racist attack or speech to lodge a complaint or report it to the association. “Without a complaint, there is officially no crime, crime or even victim,” said Sun Lay Tan, spokesperson for the “Security Committee for All.” The latter prepares a practical guide to lodging a complaint to Asian people who unfortunately do not often do so.

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