Man beaten in street after being called anti-gay slurs says cops didn’t show up to help

A man was beaten and called homophobic slurs while walking with his roommate through their Sydney neighborhood last weekend, but despite police hearing the attack over the phone as it took place, cops failed to come to the man’s aid.

That’s the charge from Borna Kazerani, 38, who says the incident began when a black Hyundai drove past him and a man in the passenger seat “gave the finger” to Kazerani and his roommate.

Related:

LGBTQ+ Holocaust memorial in Berlin attacked with Bible verses & arson

An unknown assailant papered the structure with biblical verses before trying to burn it down.

“I shrugged my shoulders at him and that’s when the car stopped,” Kazerani told the Star Observer.

Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox

Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world.

Daily

Weekly

Good News

He said the man got out of the car and started walking towards them, shouting homophobic slurs. According to Kazerani, that’s when he “shoved me and started to punch me in the head and face, and kick me in the balls.”

Kazerani’s roommate captured the assault in pictures posted to Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Borna Kazerani' Show 🏳️‍🌈 (@borna_kazerani_official)

Meanwhile, the woman who was driving the car got out and joined in the attack.

Kazerani says bystanders at the Parklea Markets, where the attack occurred, came over to stop the fight. When Kazerani walked away, he said he was chased and attacked by the pair again.

“After a few minutes of being kicked on the ground, the man and woman went back to their car and drove off,” Kazerani said.

According to Kazerani, that’s when he called 000, the Australian emergency services number.

While he was on the phone, the car came back, according to the statement Kazerani gave to cops.

“The man and woman both got out of the car and started attacking me again. The female grabbed my hair from behind and pulled me back while the male punched me.”

“While this was happening, I was on the phone with 000, yelling and screaming that I was on the phone with police. When they heard I was talking to the police, they ran back to their car and drove off.”

Despite hearing the attack over the phone as it happened, police never showed up.

“The Australian police didn’t provide assistance,” Kazerani posted to Instagram a day after the attack. “I waited for half an hour for their arrival, when I called back to inquire about their delay, the operator’s response didn’t surprise me. She stated, ‘We have more pressing matters than coming to ensure your safety.’”

Kazerani was treated at a local hospital for his injuries, including a sore jaw and facial bruising, and sent home.

According to a New South Wales Police spokesperson, officers are investigating the attack and encouraging witnesses to come forward.

Kazerani isn’t hopeful.

“It’s become apparent that relying on them during times of danger is unreliable,” Kazerani said of police, “necessitating the need to be capable of defending oneself. If faced with homophobic attacks, waiting for help is ineffective; demonstrating fearlessness and delivering a strong message is essential.”